Here is a recent letter that I received from Gordon Smiths office, it outlines what he says he has done and voted for. Now I have to be honest I have not sat down and read the whole copy of S. 2611, so what I would like, if for someone here who has, tell me if he is being honest or trying to play that he is doing the right thing.

My email to him had been quite pointed and I told him that if he did not get on the ball and start voting to protect America and to represent the people who put him in his job, Oregonians, that I would make it my personal business to get him voted out.

Here is his response:

Dear Mrs. (name deleted),

Recently, the Senate passed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (S. 2611). This legislation addressed four major issues: border security, interior enforcement, guest workers, and the illegal immigrants now in the country. I believe that we cannot continue to absorb the flow of illegal immigrants, many of whom benefit from government services that American citizens and companies provide. Reform is necessary and our borders must be tightened. Anyone who wants to come to live or work in the United States must abide by our laws while paying taxes and learning the English language.

During the Senates debate on S. 2611 I voted for numerous amendments that would strengthen our border while preventing illegal aliens from receiving benefits for breaking our laws. I voted to make English our official language and require hundreds of miles of improved fencing and vehicle barriers along the border. I also supported an amendment that would prevent any guest worker program from going into effect until all required border security enhancements are completed. Finally, I supported an amendment that wold prevent illegal aliens from receiving Social Security benefits based on their unauthorized work history.

The United States' economy is the envy of the world and the opportunities here attract millions of workers from all over the world. Many of these workers contribute greatly to the economy, particularly in the high tech and agricultural sectors. While I voted for the creation of a limited guest worker program to keep our economy growing, I continue to oppose broad amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Our national security depends on secure borders. The same security gaps that allow illegal immigrants to cross our border also provide opportunities for terrorists. I beleive closing these gaps should be one of our highest priorities. S. 2611 will authorize the Department of Homeland Security to build a "virtual fence" that will allow the border to be patrolled with anmanned aricraft, cameras, sensors and other technology.

S. 2611 is currently under final negotiation by the House and Senate. Rest assured, I will bear your concerns in mind as this legislation comes before the Senate for a final vote.

You mean the concerns about your job?(my statement)

Warm Regards, Gordon H. Smith, United States Senate