http://www.elpasotimes.com/breakingnews/ci_4506005

Gov. Perry praises border sheriffs (1:33 p.m.)
By Brandi Grissom / Austin Bureau
Article Launched:10/17/2006 01:33:55 PM MDT
AUSTIN -- Gov. Rick Perry today lauded border sheriffs for their operations to back up the U.S. Border Patrol and said the efforts have reduced crime borderwide 60 percent on average.
"The border is more secure and our communities are safer," Perry said today as he stood flanked by sheriffs from six border counties at the Border Security Operations Center. El Paso County's Leo Samaniego did not attend the event.

Border security has become a hot issue in the governor's reelection bid.