Thread: Spitzer defends license plan over Democrat fears

Newsday.com
Spitzer defends license plan over Democrat fears
This story was reported by staff writers JAMES T. MADORE in Albany and MARTIN C. EVANS and BETH MURTAGH in Washington and was written by MADORE.

November 9, 2007

Gov. Eliot Spitzer yesterday stood by his plan to give driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants despite growing opposition from fellow Democrats in Congress, some concerned his policy will undermine their re-election in 2008.

"The governor has never governed by poll numbers or been afraid to tackle tough issues," said spokeswoman Christine Anderson. "His foremost obligation is to protect the safety and security of New Yorkers and that is why he believes this proposal is good policy."

Still, Spitzer agreed last month to major changes to his initial plan after talks with U.S. Homeland Security officials. Licenses given to the undocumented wouldn't provide access to airplanes and federal buildings, and would look different from other licenses.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's support for the plan - after initial waffling in a debate - has undercut her presidential bid. Sources close to Spitzer, who has endorsed Clinton, said he never intended to hurt her candidacy.

Neither Clinton nor other Democratic members of Congress have asked Spitzer to amend his plan, Anderson said.

A growing number, however, have publicly distanced themselves from the explosive license initiative - including several from Long Island.

Rep. Steve Israel of Huntington said, "I respectfully disagree with his proposal. Many experts even worry that such a license proposal would conflict with existing federal law."

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy of Mineola, a gun-control advocate, was worried the undocumented would have access to weapons. "She is very concerned about security, and the ability of someone to use this to purchase firearms," said spokesman George Burke.

Spitzer has said undocumented immigrants wouldn't be able to use licenses to purchase guns.

Reps. Tim Bishop of Southampton and Gary Ackerman of Queens called for changing national immigration policy and criticized Republicans, respectively.

Ackerman said, "The Republicans use everything as wedge issues. Democrats have to be serious policymakers. Republicans are better at shoveling the garbage."

Delegation members are expected to meet with Spitzer next week in Washington to discuss the issue.

Observers said yesterday it was expected that Democrats on Capitol Hill would oppose the policy change or avoid taking a stand.

"I'd be surprised if any politician who wasn't totally safe ... would come out for it [the license plan] because it's just murder," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "Immigration is a big deal and it's not going away."

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/state ... 1126.story

"I'd be surprised if any politician who wasn't totally safe ... would come out for it [the license plan] because it's just murder," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "Immigration is a big deal and it's not going away."

Got that right!

You will never see Licenses for illegal immigrants in New York Mr Spitzer and you know it, you are already buried in countless Law suits with more to come. So stop being stubborn and admit you were wrong and try to save whats left of your political career before its too late.

The governor has never governed by poll numbers or been afraid to tackle tough issues," said spokeswoman Christine Anderson.

His criteria--Governed by Poll Numbers: He doesn't listen to the voices of the American people, read newspapers, faxes, e-mails, letters, letters to the editors, or watch the news. This is an example of democracy?

He originally passed his 'illegals on wheels' law in secrecy without consulting the New York Legislature. This is an exercising democracy?

[size=18]Eliot Spitzer is a political terrorist, who should be impeached and stand trial for treason. [/size]

"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged."
President Abraham Lincoln