Brewer, Munger trade barbs over border security
Gubernatorial candidate John Munger -- having just filed his nominating petitions for the Governor's race -- took time to stop by the Capitol press room on Monday and levy a few jabs at one of his key opponents, incumbent Jan Brewer.

Munger questioned Brewer's leadership on border security, among other things, predicting that any boost she had received in the polls as a result of signing Senate Bill 1070, the state's tough new immigration law, would be short-lived at best.

"What is she doing besides sitting behind her desk, signing bills?" asked Munger, who said Brewer was a "crisis manager" but not a leader.


"If she really were going to take some leadership (on border security), she would have put the National Guard on the border 16 months ago," he added.

Munger's words drew quick response from Brewer campaign spokesman Doug Cole, who said the Governor has repeatedly sought federal assistance on border security issues, including the allocation of additional troops, to no avail.

"Mr. Munger needs to do his homework before he runs off his mouth trying to score political points," Cole said. "The record is there (at www.securetheborder.org) for all to see. There are letters up there that start from the first month that she was in office."

(Insider looked, and the letters are there, though they are a bit difficult to find. Click on the "Border Facts and News" tab and scroll to the bottom of the page.)

Cole also took issue with Munger's assertion that his proposed budget plan would allow the state to pay for the cost of the troops without the federal government's help. Munger says the Governor has never read or studied his proposal.

"Arizona is broke," said Cole, who said he has read Munger's budget plan and that it has many flaws. "And securing the border is the federal government's responsibility."

Brewer and Munger are expected to vie again state treasurer Dean Martin and businessman Owen "Buz" Mills for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. The winner of the primary will most likely face off against presumptive Democratice nominee Terry Goddard this fall.

--Ginger Rough
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