Thread: Mexico border issue a McCain strong point

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Mexico border issue a McCain strong point

By Jeff Flake
U.S. House of Representatives
Aug. 6, 2006 12:00 AM

Will John McCain's position in favor of comprehensive immigration reform, which conventional wisdom says is out of step with the Republican Party's emphasis on enforcement of current immigration laws, put him out of contention for the Republican presidential nomination?

In a word: no.

In fact, I believe McCain's advocacy of comprehensive immigration reform is one of his strongest assets.

First, he happens to be right. "Seal the border and enforce the law" might make for a catchy campaign slogan, but it falls far short of a coherent plan. After all, nearly half of the illegal immigrants residing in the country didn't sneak across the border. Rather, they entered legally and have overstayed their visas. Further, campaign calls to "enforce the current law" run headlong into the realities of effectively and humanely dealing with the 12 million illegal immigrants already here.

In politics, it is often said that, if you're explaining, you're losing. This adage may apply in some races, but there is ample time in a presidential campaign for McCain to adequately explain the need for comprehensive immigration reform. In the end, it will be those without a coherent plan who will have more explaining to do.

Voters in a presidential race want someone who isn't afraid to lead. McCain's willingness not just to address the issue, but to get out front on it, particularly when conservative cable television and talk radio are decidedly opposed, is attractive to those who value a candidate's willingness to stand for what he believes. Such decisiveness is likely to strike voters the same way as McCain's vocal opposition to ethanol subsidies, in Iowa no less. We could use more politicians with such gumption.

McCain's approach also appeals to the better angels of our nature. In the context of immigration, evoking an image of a shining city on a hill is more inspiring than warning of barbarians at the gate.

Finally, there is mounting evidence that shows that, when it comes to Republican primary voters, volume should not be confused with numbers. Recent polling suggests that, more than anything, Republican voters want Congress to act on the issue of immigration.

According to a June poll of 800 registered, likely Republican voters conducted by the Tarrance Group for the Manhattan Institute, an overwhelming majority support a broad approach to immigration reform that includes providing legal status to immigrants in the country illegally.

While 82 percent of these voters support tightening the borders and tougher penalties on illegal immigrants and on employers who hire illegal immigrants, 80 percent also support an earned legalization program in which illegal immigrants can earn legal status and eventual citizenship by working, paying taxes, learning English, and waiting behind those already waiting to emigrate to the United States. This plan reflects the approach McCain has taken.

I recently received an e-mail from a constituent who wasn't pleased with my own position in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. He noted that my constituents don't agree with my stand and want me to simply seal the border and enforce current law. "Why don't you follow your constituents?" he asked. This question was followed by another: "Why don't you lead for a change?"

I think this is the probably the same question on immigration that John McCain has been asked, over and over again. I, for one, am glad that he has chosen to lead. I have a feeling that I'm not alone in this sentiment.

Jeff Flake is a congressman representing Arizona District 6, which includes parts of Mesa and Chandler and all of Gilbert, Queen Creek and Apache Junction.

I recently received an e-mail from a constituent who wasn't pleased with my own position in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. He noted that my constituents don't agree with my stand and want me to simply seal the border and enforce current law. "Why don't you follow your constituents?" he asked. This question was followed by another: "Why don't you lead for a change?"

I think this is the probably the same question on immigration that John McCain has been asked, over and over again. I, for one, am glad that he has chosen to lead. I have a feeling that I'm not alone in this sentiment.

I have another question for you, Jeff. Why didn't you answer your constituent's question?

Ol' Jeff's last name describes him to a "T".

Ol' Jeff's last name describes him to a "T".

Great perception CountFloyd!

According to a June poll of 800 registered, likely Republican voters conducted by the Tarrance Group for the Manhattan Institute, an overwhelming majority support a broad approach to immigration reform that includes providing legal status to immigrants in the country illegally.

While 82 percent of these voters support tightening the borders and tougher penalties on illegal immigrants and on employers who hire illegal immigrants, 80 percent also support an earned legalization program in which illegal immigrants can earn legal status and eventual citizenship by working, paying taxes, learning English, and waiting behind those already waiting to emigrate to the United States. This plan reflects the approach McCain has taken.

Hmmm, another reference to that nasty poll I've yet to find. Can anyone direct me to the poll?

Originally Posted by MW

Hmmm, another reference to that nasty poll I've yet to find. Can anyone direct me to the poll?

I found it once when I was curious about who the "Tarrance" group was.

Don't waste your time. The Tarrance Group is a Republican polling firm and the Manhattan Institute is an open borders, NWO lobbiest outfit, who even have one of their own, Tamar Jacoby, working as a White House consultant on immigration matters.

Do a Google search on either Tarrance Group or Manhattan Institute and you'll see what I mean.

I don't think this is the exact poll mentioned but here is one they did back in October 2005 on immigration.

http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html ... pol_pr.htm


Here's another one. This one looks like it is in June 2006

http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html ... _06-06.htm

http://www.manhattan-institute.org/ppt/ ... /frame.htm

Don't waste your time. The Tarrance Group is a Republican polling firm and the Manhattan Institute is an open borders, NWO lobbiest outfit, who even have one of their own, Tamar Jacoby, working as a White House consultant on immigration matters.

Thanks. I wonder why anti-illegal immigrant politicians aren't exposing the poll for what it is? Unfortunately, there are people that believe it and pro-illegal activist journalist certainly love to use it! Misinformation like this just serves to muddy the waters and make it more difficult to get anything accomplished.

Why don't you stop worrying about the effects of your decisions based on "winning elections" and just DO WHAT IS RIGHT, Jeff ? That's a pretty alien thought to you huh ?

Well, be careful. If you're going on the voters opinion.......there are PLENTY who will vote you OUT if you reward illegal behavior.

Your speech is less than convincing, Jeff. Nice try....no cigar.