More on Immigration and the Governor's Race

The Denver Post gets all of the gubernatorial candidates to weigh in today on the immigration debate, sparked by Congressman Bob Beauprez's "Mexican time" comments:

While Congressman Bob Beauprez strives to put his perceived anti-Mexican comments behind him this week, he and his fellow gubernatorial candidates expect the immigration debate to follow them through their campaigns. The two other Republicans and two Democrats who have expressed early interest in the November 2006 governor's race say Beauprez stumbled this week with comments he used to express his frustration about how long it could take to extradite suspected cop-killer Raul Gomez-Garcia from Mexico.

We've already heard from Democrat Rutt Bridges regarding Beauprez's comments and the issue. Here's what the other candidates had to say:

Republican Scott McInnis, a former 3rd Congressional District congressman, slammed Beauprez for intervening in Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey's "delicate" efforts to extradite Gomez-Garcia out of Mexico for prosecution.

Outgoing University of Denver president Marc Holtzman, a Republican, said, if elected, he would use the bully pulpit of governor to "vehemently oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants" and press the federal government to "better protect our borders."

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Bill Ritter - the former longtime Denver district attorney - said he fears that comments like Beauprez's and those from immigrant firebrand Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Littleton, are triggering a backlash against Mexicans who are here legally and "trying to be a part of the American dream."

Comments

[Unfortunate]

There is a problem with criminals fleeing to Mexico, especially recently. Beauprez is addressing something that does need attention. In fact Ken Salazar was addressing the issue last night in reference to the Jeff Garrett case. Of course Beauprez slipped and said something that could be construed as racist, but he was not trying to make a "racial slur." Historically we have had a problem with extraditing criminals in a timely manner if we are able to extradite them at all. If anyone commits a crime they should receive punishment whether they are American citizens or not. These incidents bring attention to one of the most important issues in America today; unfortunately we had to lose to of Colorado’s own to realize this.

[Phoenix Rising]

Did we really need a cut-and-paste comment?

McInnis echos the important and most valid point here. Holtzman uses the opportunity to voice vague policy thoughts, and Ritter - who's in the best position to make the comments credited to McInnis - sticks to the more divisive side of the issue.

I don't disagree with Ritter, but as Morrissey's predecessor, he could have hit the ball so much farther. Interesting that it took the Post actually asking the question to get responses...

And what is this?Beauprez, a second-term congressman, blasted the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws, causing "people to grow weary" and fostering intolerance toward Hispanics.Yep - intolerance is the Government's fault. Heaven forbid we take responsibility for our own intolerances...

[B]

The Post had an interesting take on this

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_2807242

[peterco]

The National Intelligence Reform Act was supposed to fund 10,000 new border patrol people in 5 years, roughly doubling the size of the Border Patrol..

However, the 2006 budget allows for an increase of 210 people this year. Maybe he should be complaining to somebody else about the lack of border control?

[Donald E. L. Johnson]

Mark Holtzman made the smartest comments on the illegal immigration issue, easily outpacing Scott and the Dems, who are showing their racism by playing the race card.

Holtzman took the opportunity to show his support for secure borders and his opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants.

To worry about offending the scofflaws who don't believe in protecting our borders is ludicrous. Morrissey comes off as a politically correct wimp who's not really ready to fight for justice. But that's not surprising for an elected Denver Democrat. No one with spine and belief in enforcing our laws can win an election in Denver.

[Ter Ducken]

Okay, Donald. What would you have done if you were Morrissey and you had two families of police officers who wanted to see Garcia tried in Denver?

[Ter Ducken]

Okay, Donald. What would you have done if you were Morrissey and you had two families of police officers who wanted to see Garcia tried in Denver?