Thread: Romney campaign mailing digs at Giuliani on immigration poli

Romney campaign mailing digs at Giuliani on immigration policy
November 5, 2007
DES MOINES, Iowa --Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney took a swipe at rival Rudy Giuliani over the issue of immigration in a new mailing sent to Iowa Republican activists.

In the mailing, Romney touts his plan to slash funding for cities that declare themselves immigration sanctuaries.

"When America's major cities -- like New York, San Francisco and many others -- adopt sanctuary city policies, they serve as magnets for millions of illegal immigrants to cross the border and take advantage of these legal protections," states the mailing, which began arriving at Republican homes this week.

Sanctuary cities forgo strict enforcement of immigration laws, instructing police and other governmental agencies not to inquire about a person's immigration status when providing services. While critics bemoan the lack of law enforcement, those who support such policies contend they help ensure illegal immigrants will seek police protection and health care.

Although the mailing doesn't mention Giuliani, Romney routinely charges on the campaign trail that New York was a sanctuary city when Giuliani was mayor. How widely the mailing was distributed was not announced.

"Liberal cities like New York even banned employers from turning in known illegal immigrants to federal officials," the mailing argues. It notes that Romney has called for cutting federal funding to cities that take that step.

In response, Giuliani aides accused Romney of distortion and hypocrisy.

"Iowa voters can't be bought and they certainly won't buy what Mitt Romney is selling -- distortion, hypocrisy and a clear willingness to say and do anything for political gain," said Giuliani spokeswoman Maria Comella.

Comella said that as governor of Massachusetts, Romney had "a record that included allowing the number of illegal immigrants to skyrocket while he was in charge, and even hiring some of them to work on his lawn while he was governor."

Giuliani leads in most national polls of Republicans seeking the GOP presidential nomination. Romney is ahead in Iowa, where caucuses launch the presidential nominating season on Jan. 3.

www.boston.com

Romney isn't serious about illegal immigration. Remember folks, he supported last year's bill S. 2611 and criticized every Rep and Dem who voted against it.
Just more proof of his flip floppery.