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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher



Romney ups ante on immigration

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 2:22 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: ,

From NBC/NJ’s Erin McPike
Romney has been upping the ante recently against his top rivals on immigration policy this morning, outlining on Laura Ingraham's show his differences with Giuliani and Thompson on the issue.

After his recent focus on fiscal issues, having spent the majority of October touting his record on taxes and spending, Romney's recent criticisms of his rivals -- including Giuliani, Thompson, McCain and Huckabee -- have centered on their records on illegal immigration.

Speaking to Ingraham this morning, Romney reiterated his accusation that Giuliani turned the Big Apple into a “sanctuary city” while serving as mayor. He also was asked to draw out his distinctions with Thompson, who has been using much the same language about the issue on the trail recently.

Romney suggested that while it's "fine" that Thompson has adopted a similar position, he was wrong to misconstrue the former governor's stance. Romney explained that he never supported Bush's plan for comprehensive immigration reform, and he has made clear that the topic is a key area where he opposes the president. He was an aggressor in stating that he campaigned on securing the borders in his failed Senate run in 1994, but Thompson, who was elected that year, doesn't have a strong record on the issue. He directed Ingraham to his own record later as governor.

Romney has also gone on the offensive recently against both Huckabee and McCain over immigration. Asked last Thursday how he would work with an "out of touch" Democratic Congress in accomplishing what the public really wants, he pointed to the comprehensive immigration legislation that McCain championed and the public outcry that in effect helped defeat the bill as a way to show the senator was wrong on the matter.

On the stump in Iowa the next day, he inserted his own record as governor in opposing in-state tuition breaks to contrast with Huckabee's support for the same measure as governor of Arkansas, telling the audience that Huckabee was wrong, and that's a major difference between the two.

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the republicans are not going to disturb the flow of slaves coming across the mexican border, they have had six years to try and stop it, the business community has become intoxicated with the low wage, no benefits worker, why should they pay for their workforce when the american taxpayer can pick up the tab instead? they will make no changes until a mob of ilegals cuts one of their throats, then it will be too late
Either Rudy or Mitt will make a fine President
Not really fair to blame Bush and McCain for that immigration bill. All the things people objected to were put in their by democrats.
Not really fair to blame Bush and McCain for that immigration bill. All the things people objected to was put in there by democrats.
MK, the Dems sure ain't gonna stop it. THey see lots of future voters.  

Like many on here, you seem to be misinformed. The GOP are the ones opposed to illegal immigration. The Dems are the ones pushing it.  
"Romney reiterated his accusation that Giuliani turned the Big Apple into a “sanctuary city”

Best thing I've heard so far about Rudi Tutti, but it smacks of compassion and tolerance and this a contest to see who can be the most vicious draft dodger.
The kings and lords of america have decided that the citizens do not count in the debate on how to deal with the illegals. Let me point out that revolution and citizent's courts have surfaced repeatedly when the government has a "let them eat cake" attitude towards the PEOPLE who are the soul of the country.
jerry/corpus christi texas, and what makes you think those two bumbling idiots would make a fine president?
Miss Romney, oops slip of the tongue, I meant Mitt, needs to put forth a proposal to police and fine employers otherwise everything else is just posturing. If you don't dry up the jobs for illegal immigrants they will keep coming.
"jerry/corpus christi texas", you’ve got to be kidding, the only candidates demonstrably trustworthy on opposing the illegal alien invasion are Tom Tancredo and Ron Paul.

Pardon my language but, quite frankly, the Founding Fathers wouldn't piss on Giuliani, Romney, Thompson, or Huckabee if they were on fire. Those fellows talk about the Constitution with false affection. They masquerade under the conservative banner but butcher its true meaning. To clarify, conservatism is not defined by rabid militarism, a beer gut, and defiant and proud ignorance.

In truth, Ron Paul is the only candidate urging a platform that our Founding Fathers would recognize as consistent with the constitutionally limited, federated, free republic they established.
MK,MO:And yet you forget that this ''business community''is shipping more money to Democrats than they are Republicans. To take one area that massively employs illegals,agribusiness,and its biggest company,ARCHER-DANIELS MIDLAND[ADL],we find,through the Center for Responsive Politics,that all of the first-tiers and most of the Democrat majority in the House and Senate are piling up on ADL loot. Make no mistake. It is actually the Republicans solely and no others that have demanded tougher measures to stop this flow. Tancredo,Hunter,Ensign,Kyl,even bucked more moderate measures from their own party[Reid-McCain] to stop this insanity. Those opining [universally,Democrats,to a man-woman],that a ''fence will not work''are unable to defend their position when it is pointed out to them that it has never even been tried,outside of a sectional hodgepodge]. Of course,offering drivers licences to illegals is a nonstarter with the American people of any political persuasion,though it has not stopped Democrats from trying.[vote-pandering blocs in New England and the west coast].
How would Rudy make a fine president? His views are borderline fascist, if not outright fascist. Besides his decisionmaking is horrible. How did he become labeled with America's mayor anyhow? He has nothing extraordinary whatsoever........... unless you want to include him riding the coattails of the heroics of the NYPD/NYFD.(those of which utterly despise him) Mitt/Rudy = mannequin/halloween costume
I think when Mitt commit's he gets the job done.  At least that is his track record.  Rudy probably can get the job done as well but I am more confident with Mitt.  A an independent voter I have a close eye on him.
Its Easier to Deflect the limelight on Illegal Immigrants, than to SOLE THE REAL ISSUES FACING OUR NATION, EDUCATION, OUT-SOURCING,SOCIAL SECURITY, HEALTH CARE, MEDICARE, MEDICARE, NEED I CONTINUE?

Our President should be chosen by the qualification not by empty words, I think that the only one today is Bill Richardson, he has the qualifications.
I think the most honest and verifyable statement made so far has been that when Mitt Romney commits to something he gets it done.

His track record is across a wide diversity of projects, whether it be business, the olympics, being a governor or even now as a presidential candidate.

His rise as a candidate out of obscurity to be ahead at this point in the game in the first three primary states shows that this guy is a guy who gets things done! America needs someone just like Romney and not the other tired old politicans who will bring more of the same that got us into most of todays problems! Go Mitt!
"Not really fair to blame Bush and McCain for that immigration bill. All the things people objected to was put in there by democrats. "

Every. Last. Thing.

Black. And. White.

For. Us. Or. Against. Us.

Stupid. Is. As. Stupid. Does.
Is Mike in Hermosa Beach one of those spam bots I've read that Ron Paul uses?
No reqard for criminal activity. Illegal Aliens and Immigration is NOT the same thing. 80% of the American people want an end to anarchy!

Illegal (aliens) workers are criminals, those who hire them are criminals and those who aid-and-abet them are criminals.

Illegal aliens in America have NO rights.  We are required by law to arrest and prosecute, deport them. (Title 8 U.S. Code)

No, matter your political party affiliation, and setting aside your thoughts on issues.  We all need to remember what it is to be an American Citizen.  We need to make sure our elected representatives obey their Oath of Office and keep their Oath of Allegiance.

See http://tinyurl.com/2znnvl Know whom you are voting for.
republicans hate America, middle class kids and Gen. Sanchez.

oh yea, also anyone that speaks truth to power.
Mike:

You argue that Ron Paul alone is a constitutionalist, all others are pretenders.  As a lawyer, a conservative/libertarian and novel constitutionalist myself here is my problem with Ron Paul.  The founding fathers had signficantly divergent political viewpoints.  When discussing Ron Paul often refers to the founding fathers, for example to warn against the "entangling alliances" of Europe.  Well, that language was never made part of the constitution and we in fact won our freedom by seeking out those very alliances (France) to beat England!  Just because a founding father said something does not make it a constitutional principle.  Further, Romney when asked about war, said he would seek consent of Congress to declare war, consistent with the Constitution.  I could go on, as that is only one example.

When asked if he would hold some allegiance to his church leadership Romney said, "When I put my hand on the Bible, the only allegiance I swear is to the United States and the Constitution."  I should note, it is a doctrine of Mormonism that the Constitutional law of this land was God inspired.  Sorry, but Ron Paul can't claim to be the only Constitutionalist.  Romney is one whether you want to admit it or not.   I sure hope Ron Paul supporters like yourself don't help Hillary load the high court with progressive secularist.  Whoever, gets the nod on the Republican side, I am going to support, regardless of whether they line up with me 100% or not.

Eric Mitt did not just rise from obscurity he has spent $17,000,000 OF HIS OWN MONEY on over 10,000 TV and radio ads. You and me would have bought the same name recognition with that money. He's another poser who would ask his lawyers {not OUR constitution} on what he could get away with. Ann
Mitt is the only competent, ONLY viable candidate up there.  I shudder at the choices on the democratic side.  Guliani would be fine, but MITT would be of the quality to sculpt his head into Mt Rushmore.  
I think we tend to find ourselves always hoping for the perfect candidate; I don't think one will appear in this election. We have to 'settle' on who will be the best (aka, not the worst)... though there are currently things that i am not thrilled about with Romney, his track record and his dedication seem to be the most viable.
The ILLEGAL INVASION from Mexico and Central America will land a extra 100 million people here speaking Spanish and working for peasant wages within 50 years.
If China slips in another 50 million we will be a Colony in the Chinese World Empire, The Whites, and blacks will be screwed like the native Hawaiians, out of their patrimony!
The ILLEGAL INVASION from Mexico and Central America will land a extra 100 million people here speaking Spanish and working for peasant wages within 50 years.
If China slips in another 50 million we will be a Colony in the Chinese World Empire, The Whites, and blacks will be screwed like the native Hawaiians, out of their patrimony!
If the rebums can't come up with a real policy then the american hispanics with flock to the dems. and we will see the major shift that Karl Rove hoped for. Too bad it will not be the party he suggested it would be. The politics of hate will resonate strongly this election and people have heard all of their arguments and found them all lacking in realism.
We see a party that revs up the rhetoric while ignoring the substance, the usual tactic that energizes their base. The base is falling apart and will not be the saviors for this band of windbags.
WE GOT SOME DEMOCRACY HERE FOLKS and we have our eyes on the prize.
I am starting to realize that Mitt Romney is the only real choice that Republicans have.  He is the only Republican that can win Michigan (his home state) and/or Ohio.  To support anyone other than Romney, is to give Mrs. Clinton the keys to the White House.  As we all know the Electoral College is all that matters.  Romney's numbers add up, the others do not.  Do the math.  The same reasons half of Americans don't want Mrs. Clinton are the same reasons half of Americans don't want Rudy. I believe Mitt Romney will do what he says he will.  His record proves that.    
Is there anything Romney disagrees with Laura Ingraham, and her social conservative pals, about?  NO.  He is a complete phony who will take any position necessary to get in tight w/ the 'base' of the Republican party.
I see Mitt Romney as a clear and refreshing new voice that is interested in actually dealing with this problem in a sensible and intelligent way. I believe that he will bring fresh air to Washington and much needed change. I am excited to see someone run for office who has made a success in the private sector and gets it on the issues that matter to middle class Americans.
I agree with John. I cannot stand Rudy or Hillary. I like Duncan Hunter but I know he will not get the nomination. Romney is the next on my list.  I think he is intelligent, good speaker, and would work for the American people.  He is really not beholden to the people who want cheap labor.  If we continue on the road we are on, we will be a third world country in a few years with the wealthy elite controlling all of us and keeping us down. He has been faithful to his wife and has raised a great family who are all contributing to the success of our nation. I know he has good values and will try to do the best. He may be the one person who could begin to realistically look at the mess in the federal bureaucracy.
John Alexander:

Romney's policy is a good policy and it is spot on: support, encourage and make viable as much LEGAL immigration as is necessary to fill jobs.  We have always been a welcoming society.  But lets welcome the educated and law abiding, not the criminals who start their "dream here by breaking the law.
How can a man who (deliberately or not) confusese the name of a terrorist with that of a U.S Senator want to be president of the U.S.? What guarantees are there that if he wins he won't make such a (deliberate or not) mistake in an important and official speech?
Let's see now, Mitt Romney is smart, innovative, an over achiever with great ideas, a great leader who gets things done and comes with great values.  Do we really want this guy in the White House?
Apparently, "DLounsbury, Salem, Oregon", you didn't study the Constitution in law school or much history or literature.

No, entangling alliances are not exactly and specifically prohibited in the Constitution, but if you've read any of the writings or speeches of the Founders you would find their position on the matter quite clear. Ever read Thomas Paine's Common Sense or perhaps Washington's farewell address? How about Jefferson's inaugural address? Maybe you've heard of something called the Monroe Doctrine?

French support for the American Revolution was convenient and practical for both parties. Moreover, it was temporary. You ought to be more cognizant of exactly what an entangling alliance implies.

Romney is a pretender. Again, Ron Paul is the only candidate urging a platform that our Founding Fathers would recognize as consistent with the constitutionally limited, federated, free republic they established.

I don't subscribe to your lesser of two evils mindset. As (gasp!) Ralph Nader said, "At the end of the day, you still have evil." If Hillary wins, it's partly your fault for not supporting Dr. Paul, not mine for not supporting Romney and the rest of them.
Mike in Hermosa Beach:

Would you stop beating the dead horse of Ron Paul!!!  He is too far out on the wings to be a viable candidate for any party.  He is interesting to listen to (to an extent, as all radicals are) but he is unelectable!  The only electable candidates in the GOP are Rudy, Mitt, Fred and John.  Face the fact!  The Demo candidate will be Hillary.  Now face that fact!!!  It matters not one whit what an "also ran" says or stands for, if your unelectable you won't get any where!!!  After all, its STILL politics.

To everyone who cares to read on:

Now talk about issues and where the candidates stand on the issue and what they have done or say they will do about the issues.  Yes, you have to look at their background and use that as a gauge as to what you think they will do, but unsubstantiated bashing for whatever reason only makes you look like an idiot.  JFK took it as a Catholic and Romney is taking it as a Mormon.  Oh, but the way - I wanted to see what the Mormon Church's written policy was on politics so I went to the official church web site and read what is documented. I won't bother you with what it says, because if you want to say Romney will be controlled by his church leaders you wouldn't believe me anyway.  But, if you want to be an informed citizen and do a little research, go to www.lds.org - like I did, and read it for yourself.  Now you can say they are lying or you can choose to believe them, but at least you won't be speaking in ignorance.  

btw: You can use LDS buildings for many community activities, i.e. Boy or Girls Scout meetings, charitable events, etc. for no cost as long as there isn't alcohol or coffee/tea served or smoking on the premisis, but there can be NO politically themed meetings at all. I'm told the membership is encouraged to vote in all elections, but no one is told whom to vote for.  After all, look at Harry Reid.  One of the most liberal Senators around and he's a Mormon. He goes against everything a conservative person would want and he is elected year after year.

Just some food for thought.
(Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA)
"Pardon my language but, quite frankly, the Founding Fathers wouldn't piss on Giuliani, Romney, Thompson, or Huckabee if they were on fire"
   Wow!  No - I won't pardon the language and I doubt the Founding Fathers, whom you seem to idolize would either.  You assume a lot about what they would and wouldn't do.  The fact is that that they are not here to deal with the porky dinosaur that is our government and we can't sit around and wonder what they would do. Dr. Paul is a great man and deserves respect for what he has done for our country.  I may vote for him.  Right now it is between him and Romney who has also done a lot of good.  Romney seems to inspire intelligent people.
Amen to the comments that Mitt gets things done.  He is an effective and hard working organizer.  Whatever he does he does well - from business to the Olympics, Governor, and now presidential candidate.  He knows how to attack a problem and he knows how to motivate people.  
romney may be able to win michigan(that point is debatable) but i can assure you he will lose texas, georgia,alabama and maybe a few other southern states.do the math and begin to understand the electoral college.he is a phoney with a store bought resume and old family money.
I wonder how any republican candidate would be elected president without the "quintessentialy american"vote.
I suppose if you support either socialism, communism or even the F word... Fascism then Romney would make a fine leader or even the hitler of New york no not hillary though she is up there but the former mayor.

Ron Paul has a good record and was side by side with Reagan and Ron Paul is not only a doctor but has the cure for healthcare and he is a true conservative.

The problem with healthcare is the government.
Reagan conservative said it the best.
Government is not the solution it is the problem.

I have to agree with Mr. Frischknecht in that when Mr. Romney puts his effort into something with all odds against him, he gets the job done. Taking a second place in Iowa, from where he started with no name recognition and a grass roots effort; to place in the top two ~ I am impressed. He credentials speak for themselves in 'managing' a state, a corporation, and a large public event like the Olympics ~ certainly lends itself to getting the job done.


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