Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Brent Burk, Schertz, Texas — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:54:52 GMT

People are weird, don't vote for the 18million dollar man cause "he can't win?" even though you like him more than Romney? I don't understand.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

JcMorin — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:03:22 GMT

I wondering what make beleive some to think that Ron Paul "don't have a chance" since he has the most online support, win most straw poll, raise more money and have the more active grassroot supporters organized by themself than all other candidates all together. Thinking he doesn't have a change just prove a lack of research!

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Dianne Moen, Sprignfield VA — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:06:37 GMT

"they don't have a chance," ? Excuse me, but by being the voice of even one American, Dr. Paul "has a chance". I support Dr. Paul, and support that one voice can make a difference.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

mary ellen — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:09:31 GMT

Ron Paul has an excellent chance of winning the nomination. I think it is so sad that voters like Deb Miller lack integrity to support a candidate that truly expresses their viewes instead of picking the lesser evil. Romney is a political flip flopper who can not be trusted on any issues.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

josh hancock, oceanside, ca — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:16:02 GMT

well i think you all should take another look at ron paul. with as much money as he has gained and as many independent, republican, and democratic voters who are turning to him i think everyone except ron paul supporters are going to be in for a big suprise. Don't look at the polls look at the donations and how they come in.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

truthseeker — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:31:27 GMT

How can you say today that Paul has no chance? Isn't he tied in 3rd place in the land line phone polls in Iowa today - ahead of Thompson?
He has raised more money than any other Republican - from people like you and me 100 bucks at a time. No one else is doing that.

I would think the Republican party would love lots of enthusiastic supporters donating money to the most fiscally conservative, honest candidate in the race?

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

BC, Boulder, COI — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:34:35 GMT

Actually, Ron Paul has a very GOOD chance at winning the nomination.

The Case for Ron Paul: http://thecaseforronpaul.com

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Joe Ureneck, Boston, MA — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:43:04 GMT

I hope Deb Miller will reconsider and support Ron Paul who is the best candidate across the board-if she wants
a President who will follow the US Constitution.

And, yes,Ron Paul does have a shot,a good shot, and will shake up a lot people when the New Hampshire primary results are in.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

John Miller, New York, NY — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:57:15 GMT

I don't understand Tancredo endorsing Romney of all people. Thompson would have made more sense to me.

I also don't understand all of the conservative talk show hosts and Fox News getting behind Romney. The guy has a liberal record in Massachusetts, and just like Bush, he will do nothing to stop illegal immigration.

I did some research and think I found out why Fox and conservative talk show hosts are backing Romney:
Romney's company, Bain Capital is in the process of a buyout of Clear Channel. And guess whose talk shows are on Clear Channel? Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck. Just a coincidence? I don't think so.

We need to be very careful about the "opinions" we hear from the media--they are very biased.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Jackie Langley — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:58:50 GMT

Ron Paul good on immigration, what a laugh. This is the guy who used to say that the US should NOT have a national immigration policy and we should welcome everyone who wants to work. He also has voted over and over and over against securing the border. Fraud Paul is a joke.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Kenny, SC — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:09:14 GMT

Thank you Ms. Miller for addressing the Illegal Immigrant issue with Mr. Slickabee...his answers were just what we all expect from any Politician from ARKANSAS. No more Dopes from Hope for me!

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Don Hannaford — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:23:24 GMT

Go Huckabee!!! Stick to your guns!!! You and Ron Paul are the only 2 honest grass roots Republicans that have anty chance of winning the Presidency. The others are are a sorry group on neocons.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Bruce, Fairfax, VA — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:29:56 GMT

The candidates are just promoting tough immigration enforcement to get votes. Later on.. they will sing a different tune and support an open border.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Dr Coles — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:41:30 GMT

Criminals did NOT build America; Citizens and LEGAL immigrants built it. Illegal Aliens and Immigration is NOT the same thing. 80% of the American people want an end to anarchy! This is NOT a Democrat, Republican, Independent issue. It's an American Issue.

Illegal aliens 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) To report illegal aliens call the DHS National Hotline 1 866 DHS 2ICE. (1-866-347-2523)

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.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

mlimberg Canton, Ga — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:06:02 GMT

Our next President will be elected based on how hard they stand against "Illegal Immigration". Illegal immigration is the defining issue in 2008.

America will be America again soon. This country was built by law biding legal immigrants. To be successful in America, you abide by the law, learn English, and work hard to be successful. It is the American Dream and the ONLY way to success...

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Beth, Kentucky — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:07:39 GMT

"The scripture says we're supposed to obey the law of the land.."

The scripture says: But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

- Acts 5:29

I don't know why that's such a hard concept for "law lovers" to grasp. I must obey local laws, unless they are trumped by state laws... and those laws except when trumped by federal laws... which are subject to interpretation and context according to the Constitution. And even still... above all that... I am subject to God's Law - which says there are TWO things we MUST do: Love God, and love our neighbor. If we fail at one, we're guilty of all, including:

Murder (which some apply to abortion), Adultery (which is STILL a felony on the books in some states) lying (well, what can I say. There is no such thing as a "no-spin-zone") etc.

So there ya have it Governor Huckabee... Ms. Miller, Senor Tancredo and Master Romney: when you forget God's instructions on love and how to treat a stranger in your house, then you are might as well commit any of the litany of sins you decry... even the 8th deadly sin: Illegal Entry.

P.S. for all you pseudo-Christians - the whole "render unto Caesar" thing had to do with not causing a fuss and giving Rome a reason to further persecute the Jews/early church. Please stop cherry picking scripture to support non-Biblical actions.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Beth, Kentucky — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:07:54 GMT

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Jim Brown — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:10:51 GMT

Huckabee is dumber than a sack full of door knobs. He reminds me of Bush.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Chris, Norfolk VA — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:19:30 GMT

Ron Paul will not win the nomination. He's exactly where Dean was last election. Who knows, maybe Paul will take over the RNC after he gets creamed in the primaries...

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

TruthPlease, Raleigh, NC — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:26:29 GMT

"I opposed creating another law to do what the law already did"

What? What does that even mean Huckabee? When are you going to stop your smooth talking and just come clean? This stuff drives me crazy. What you did was give benefits to illegal aliens, stuff legal Americans didn't get. Nuff said.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Chris, Norfolk VA — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:32:24 GMT

Hey Jim, Bush is very smart and has done a great job keeping you safe. You don't get to be president by being dumb. He also has backbone and is not afraid to take heat from everyone side. I do see a lot of Bush in Huck. That's another reason to vote for him. I actually see alot more of Reagan on the personality side of Huck. He's definitely a better communicator than Bush!! I'll give you that!

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

J Oldershaw, Oakland, California — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:33:04 GMT

The following quote from the article struck me:

'"The scripture says we're supposed to obey the laws of the land," Miller said. "As a Christian, that was my question. You know, how can you justify furthering – rewarding someone who has broken law upon law upon law."'

Did the anti-semitic laws of the Third Reich still count as laws, even if I think they were unjust? If so, would I have been justified breaking them? Should I, as a Christian, denounce Schindler for having rescued Jews?

Deb Miller obviously has a real problem with Huckabee's stated wish for children to be treated humanely. Nevertheless, I don't think it's the law-breaking that so much bothers her. I think she's a racist and wants to make sure he's a racist, too, before she will support him.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Brian, Green Bay, WI — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:36:17 GMT

>>> "Duncan Hunter and Ron Paul are the only candidates left in the race who truly address the immigration issue, Miller said, but "they don't have a chance," <<<
THIS WOMAN IS A FRAUD! Are you going to tell me she was a staffer for Tom Tancredo, who had less money and lower poll numbers than fricking Duncan Hunter, and now says Hunter & Paul, the latter who's sitting on $20 million going into the primaries with tons of grassroots support, doesn't have a chance? GET REAL. If she worked for Tancredo, she should have already known Huckabee's disgraceful immigration record instead of "researching" it. A guy liked Tancredo OWNED the immigration issue. This lady is nothing more than an opportunistic tool who wants to leech off someone's campaign just for the money. She doesn't care about the issues or the real problems facing the nation. All she cares about is earning more worthless fiat dollars.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Brian, Green Bay, WI — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:51:12 GMT

"Ron Paul good on immigration, what a laugh. This is the guy who used to say that the US should NOT have a national immigration policy and we should welcome everyone who wants to work. He also has voted over and over and over against securing the border. Fraud Paul is a joke."

Jackie - Paul has always opposed handouts and benefits to illegals. He staunchly opposes amnesty and wants to enforce the 14th Amendment concerning birthright citizenship. He would end the anchor babies here.

He voted against putting troops on the border because that is not the job of Congress, the President already has the power to order the Nat'l Guard to the border, and Paul would allow the Minutemen or ordinary American citizens to patrol the border (He wouldn't call them "vigilantes" like Bush did.)

Ron Paul also told Glenn Beck that he would pardon the two wrongfully convicted border patrol agents, Ramos and Campos, while Bush & all of the other presidential candidates besides Hunter has not addressed the issue at all, and will probably let them rot in prison.

Ron Paul would actually be better than Hunter on immigration because he would end the corporate handouts and welfare, and he would ease the crushing regulations that are forcing employers to hire illegals under the table.

I see immigration under Paul returning back to its golden years of the late 19th and early 20th century, when people had to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and learn the American way of life.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

rsmith, bentonville, arkansas — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:03:10 GMT

I don't get it. Are all Paul supporters delusional? You keep harping about how much money he can raise...ok, I admit it, he knows how to raise money! So does the Red Cross. Doesn't seem to be helping him, does it? Single digits and all that. You are right about one thing though...Ron Paul sure can raise money.... but he still has about as much chance of winning as Bill Gates. He shot his last bullet into his foot when he said that if fascism came to this country it would come wrapped in a flag [patriotism], carrying a cross [Christianity] denigrating the faith and patriotism of Mike Huckabee. That remark showed his true colors. Sad. But I guess he can always play with his money and pretend he is winning....anything.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

allen in N. Reading Mass — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:29:35 GMT

I find these comments about "not having a chance" odd. I am in full support of Ron Paul. This is the first time in my life I have ever donated to any presidential campaign. I have donated 4 or 5 times to date and will certainly donate more. I feel that Dr. Paul is the only candidate running that will restore freedoms, the economy, and get us out of Iraq the fastest.
The main stream press seems to like to discredit Dr Paul's followers. The main stream press is missing the point that ALL of the contributions to the Paul campaign are from private people and not corporate donations.
The pollsters have blown it because they are not polling the youth who are carrying cell phones and have no landlines. And the youth seem to be as motivated to vote this election as in the early 70's when we were in Nam. I feel that the youth is finding out they are facing a draft if enlistment stays down, a soc sec system for us and not for them, a tremendous deficit that NONE of the other candidates will even address (its 30 k per person right now), and the ever crashing dollar. Many know the the fed reserve board is a private company.
We in this country need a change. A huge change. All the other Repubs want to continue the war and go into more countries (but not their children of course). And the Dems as usual are all talk with no plans.
Suggest anyone google Ron Paul if you are undecided. He actually addresses most of the major issues in his web site and does not do the pansy routine of not answering questions.
I predict Thompson is the next one to pull out. I predict McCain or Guiliani afterwards.
I refuse to vote for anyone other than Ron Paul UNLESS they embrace his ideas for our country. Otherwise it the same old stuff - which is going to lead to recession and depression.
One more thing... we as a country cannot continue to borrow to fuel wars in other countries. IF we continue this war machine its time to increase taxes drastically across the board to fund it so we do not place a monstrous tax burden on the youth of today.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

George — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:52:19 GMT

Ron Paul is a whiney sounding little crazy man who is ready for the fruit factory.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

PuzzledRepublican — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:59:07 GMT

Goodness, some of Ron Paul's supporters appear completely illiterate (that second comment is so bad it simply has to be a plant...), and all of the Huckabee supporters are a tad over zealous (but I guess zealousness is good fall back when your candidate doesn't offer anything substantive worth supporting and is simultaneously being lambasted from all sides). If immigration is the defining issue (and I don't think it is), let's at least go with someone with an effective track record on that issue.

But in my opinion a more telling issue is who can clean up Washington and eliminate the wasteful spending foisted upon us by Congress every year (and by Congress I mean those controlled by either party, as neither have shown much spending restraint of late). Consider this, dear reader: many of us work till May every year just to met our Federal tax burden. Am I the only one that is outraged to see how congress then spends this on pork projects? We will need to suspend our primary infighting and bickering and look beyond the Republican nomination to fully realize the power of this sentiment, as this will be a key general election platform. If the economy continues its slide into recession, kitchen table issues will take on ever greater significance in the coming year, and the candidate that best understands capital markets will have a tremendous advantage in the general election.

Turning away from the domestic front, we should also carefully vet which candidates have a solid foreign policy plan. I'll remind you that foreign policy is not a shallow collection of borrowed one-liners and witty sound bites. We need someone who thinks deeply and can assemble a bipartisan team of experts to define, articulate and execute a winning strategy to defeat the threats we face in the world today. This does not include capitulating to the terrorists and tyrants of the world because we may hurt their feelings.

So it's not who has the most money, who is most popular with certain segments of the Republican coalition, or who is the most electable. We should consider only those candidates that have successful records as comprehensive change agents. Washington needs change, and our foreign policy needs a fresh approach (not a complete reversal or retreat, but it would certainly benefit from input from a wider variety of experts). The change agent we select for the Executive office should have a plan and the experience and the skills to execute that plan. That change agent needs to be comfortable enough with himself that he can solicit and consider viewpoints that contradict his own, thick-skinned enough to make the right decisions on key issues even when unpopular, but all the while reserved and statesmanlike in his approach so as to not needlessly alienate key constituencies. These criteria drastically narrow the viable Republican field. In fact only one candidate consistently scores well on all fronts. If you don't know who I'm talking about, you should do a little more research before digging in to intractably support another candidate.

Now all the arguments I've just put forth are based on issues, not personalities or persona. That said, I'm often puzzled at why Paul and Huckabee are running in the Republican primary at all. To me, many of the issues they support are more aligned with liberal agendas pushed by independents and democrats. Their voices on the campaign trail and in the debates have offered a breath of variety not normally seen in Republican primaries and while interesting (if not entertaining), I just don't think these two candidates bring enough to the table to address the broad spectrum of weightier matters. In other words, they simply don't merit our full support. Nonetheless, what an interesting primary season this has been!!

For those that read this entire post, thanks for your thoughtful consideration.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Marge, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:59:55 GMT

The last thing we need is another "compassionate conservative" like Huckabee. He is an illegal alien loving Huckster, just like his friend Jorge Bush. I go by his actions not he new "get-tough" rhetoric. Most conservatives feel strongly that illegal aliens need to be deported and not coddled. That goes for their children also. There are colleges in their home countries.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Brian, Green Bay, WI — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:00:21 GMT

>>> Single digits and all that. <<<

Those polls don't include Paul's name, and many of Paul's supporters did not vote in the 2004 election. Nearly all of Paul's supporters are newcomers, independents, libertarians, cross-over Dems who did not take part in the 2004 election & who own cell phones.

>>> You are right about one thing though...Ron Paul sure can raise money <<<

Yes, he can. He is receiving money from individuals from all walks of life, as opposed to Huckster who gets his money from Tyson Foods and the special-interest corporations. He just won another straw poll in Aiken, SC - and Aiken isn't a liberal bastion either. Lots of pro-military folks there, Fred should have won the poll.

>>> but he still has about as much chance of winning as Bill Gates. <<<

That's your opinion, but the overwhelming amount of evidence and facts say otherwise. Huckabee's support is all liberal media driven. The liberal media & the Dems want him to be the nominee because he'd be easy pickings for Hillary. That's why the DNC issued a cease-fire on Huckabee - they want to hype him up for the general election. And Huckabee will split the GOP, no libertarians, independents, or Reagan Democrats are going to support him.

>>> He shot his last bullet into his foot when he said that if fascism came to this country it would come wrapped in a flag [patriotism], carrying a cross [Christianity] denigrating the faith and patriotism of Mike Huckabee. That remark showed his true colors. <<<

Dr. Paul has clarified his remarks. His words, like so many times by the liberal media and GOP establishment, has been taken out of context. He did not say that Huckabee was a fascist. Rather, that Huckabee was using religion to promote his authoritarian/statist policies, which is the equivalent of fascism. Ron Paul is just as much of a Christian as Huckabee is - 3 of his brothers are in the ministry, and in fact, Paul considered going into the ministry before he chose the medical field. BTW Paul was the first candidate to come out with a Christmas video and he wrote a beautiful Statement of Faith article over the summer that professed his love for Christ, when Huckabee was a nobody.

Mike Huckabee doesn't stand a chance. He is going broke and conservatives have already took a good hard look at his record. The MSM can't pick our candidates anymore, Huckabee may win Iowa but NH, with it's independents and libertarians, won't vote for him, and he'll just split the rest of the GOP base that's being split among McCain, Thompson, Giuliani, Romney, etc.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Kevin Courtois — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:11:43 GMT

Yes, We are quite sane, how about you? And we are going to win. Ron Paul is the largest MLM company in America, the power of word of mouth far outstrips any talking head on the boob tube.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Red Stater — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:12:09 GMT

Like Deb said, Duncan Hunter (and RP) is the only candidate left who intends to build the fence and secure the borders. He is also most candidates pick to be Sec of Defense due to his unquestionable reputation with the military which also makes him the best candidate to be Commander In Chief.
Combine this with his being a sponsor of the Fair Tax and the ONLY candidate to have introduced legislation every year to BAN ABORTION.

Duncan Hunter represents the "Republican Wing of the Republican Party" so says the Missouri Republican Assembly.

Check out Duncan Hunter for yourself... if you do, Deb will have been wrong about one thing.
Duncan Hunter can in fact win.
GoHunter08

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Eric N. — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:51:02 GMT

"I don't get it. Are all Paul supporters delusional?"

90% of your post can be summed up thusly: "In polls of republicans who voted in the last primary caucus, Paul is in the high single digits. Therefore he can't win."

You base your entire rant on a few polls of "likely voters" and call Ron Paul supporters delusional?

These polls are notoriously inaccurate and just one of many indicators of the mood of the electorate.

You should expand your sphere of information sources. That is, unless you prefer these polls because they are the one instance where Ron Paul's vast support isn't effectively measured for your own agenda.

Ron Paul's quote from Sinclair Lewis is entirely appropriate in the context of the question he was asked. There is no doubt in anyone's mind whether or not Huckabee's playing the faith card to his advantage. The only argument is whether or not he's going to far in appealing to the Iowa caucus voters.

Mark my words: he will tone down the sermon if he makes it out of Iowa. Huckabee needs Iowa - badly. A poor showing there and he's all washed up.

And this is why we have reverend Huckabee presently.

I would urge you do more research on Dr. Paul. Don't let a few polls and a quote unfavorable to your man spoil you to a truly great American who's strength and viability are growing exponentially because the more people know about Ron Paul, the more they admire his intelligence, honesty and principled integrity.

He really is in a class above and he just makes the rest of the field look like the plasticized and pandering bunch they are.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

DAVID ANDERS PHARR,TX. — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:53:06 GMT

DONT ANYONE BITCH ABOUT IMMIGRATION BECAUSE NO ONE HAS DONE ANYTHING. i LIVE IN AN ALL DEMOCRAT COUNTY IN S TX. IN A SMALL TOWN AND WE BUILD ONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A YEAR. GO FIGURE ITS COMING YOUR WAY SOON

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

David, Oregon City, Oregon — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:36:02 GMT

Some one said, "Who else would write the script like this?

First, Gov Huckabee floats around the bottom of every poll, seemingly wasting his time meager resources with a presidential run. No money and no momentum.

Then...after completely dominating the debates with wit and vision, Gov. Huckabee goes from worst to first in a week or so, taking the country by storm with his Huckaboom. Suddenly, contributions are waaaay up, creating synergy with a growing grass roots support. All is well....right?

No so much. Suddenly, Huckabee becomes the target of numerous misleading attack ads from the ONE candidate who is depending upon the votes Huck has drawn, and unfortunately, rather than people decrying this kind of politicing, people actually buy the lies and polls begin shifting. Okay, surely Huck can get out the truth and weather the storm. And then...

While the barrage of lies and twisted facts are flying from ironically the GOP candidate with the MOST FLUID POSITIONS, who has changed his stance and beliefs more often than Bill Clinton, the media instead chooses to REPORT THE LIES AS FACTS while simultaneously ignoring the GLARING bias, and essentially propogating Gov Romney as a SAINT. So, it's still remotely possible that Gov Huckabee can withstand the misinformation campaign, but surely it could not get any more unbalanced right?

Speaking of RIGHT! Then, without any real clear explanations, all of the conservative RIGHT pundit talk show hosts that we as a party have carried to prominence and grown to trust as VOICES OF REASON AND FAIRNESS, not only join in on the daily assaults of not just our candidate, but lead the way, and ridicule us for even considering him. The very people we have considered the first line of defense for our conservative values are not only blatantly disregarding us, but are attempting to DESTROY the one candidate who BEST DEFINES OUR PARTY to us.

Oh well, it was a good run, right?

The odds are just TOO GREAT. The critics TOO MANY. There is no way to weather this growing STORM of bias...

And then a still small voice..."be still, and know that I am God."

Only the Lord would have written a script like this.

It's not us against the world, as it seems,

but the world against God."

Do you agree?

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Wayne, Tacoma, WA — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:19:57 GMT

"infamous good humor"????? Not a little bias against are we??

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

JimmyMac — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:39:04 GMT

Ron has not raised the money. Its the thousands of Americans who find his message hopefull that have raised the money. And it was Sinclair Lewis who said ""When fascism comes to America, it will come wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Dr. Paul was just quotimg Lewis. Read the book: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Can't_Happen_Here

And yes it can happen here - have you been asleep for the last 7 years. "The American dream - you have to be asleep to believe in it." George Carlin

Ron Paul - Hope for America

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Stephanie Hamilton, Saugus, MA — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:05:45 GMT

Deb Miller, As Sam Adams once said, "It does not require a majority to Prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." And yes, Ron Paul does have a very good chance to win, and since he is the best person for the job, your best vote would be for Ron Paul!

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Dave, of Indianapolis, IN — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:14:11 GMT

Thank heavens a number of states, have seen the light even if some of the corrupt Senators in Washington have intentionally ignored the American people. But times are changing with Georgia, oklahoma, Arizona and soon Missouri and Tennessee against the illegal immigration invasion. Since when does any other country ever have to support 12 to 20 million illegal occupiers. Arizonas harsh law goes into effect on January 1, so other states will be watching very carefully at the impact. We know that there is a large exodus of foreign nationals and families from Georgia. I wonder which will be the next state to follow..........

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Paul, Phoenix, Arizona — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:35:26 GMT

Anyone who likes tax increases, seeing hospitals close because they're going broke catering to illegal aliens because a guy from Hope, Arkansas creates incentives for them to come to America ("We'll pay for your college tuition!"), and likes the idea of criminals being released.....should vote for Huckabee.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

apacallyps Houston Texas — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:36:32 GMT

The Christian right (and other fed up conservatives) are supporting Mike Huckabee, but the right’s pundits are not flocking to support him, and many of them are actually trying to derail him. Case in point:

Rush's Hit-Piece on Huckabee (stick with it, audio of Rush)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu-ZSSaZELM

Something is very very very very wrong with this picture. Bottom line: The best candidate for the Republican nomination is Huckabee.

Mike Huckabee - The Conservative Choice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH-TRNF_SyI

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

LonewackoDotCom, L.A. CA — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:38:50 GMT

1. I don't think she was as "well informed" as MSNBC lets on, or at least she wasn't that adept at asking questions designed to ferret out the truth, like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KxDhesWutc I don't think Huckabee will come out looking too very good if I ever get a chance to "cross-examine" him about this issue.

2. If Deb Miller can do it, why can't the MSM? Why has the MSM completely failed to "cross-examine" people like Huck about their completely questionable records? Maybe MSNBC should fire their "reporters" and hire Deb Miller instead.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Dave Reader, Columbus, NM — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 05:56:31 GMT

There are those who say Ron Paul doesn't have a chance but, to me, he's looking more more and more like a viable candidate every day.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

xtrabiggg — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:17:34 GMT

How could a staffer for a Presidential Campaign NOT be informed about the other candidates' positions on major issues? This whole story and Deb Miller sounds like a 'plant' to me.

The fact that she would even consider Huckabee or Romney after knowing what they stand for on immigration vis a vis Tom Tancredo's position indicates one thing to me- Immigration is not Deb Miller's primary, secondary or even tertiary concern. Political survival is. If she is willing to sacrifice her core values to 'go with a winner', instead of supporting a candidate who closely matches her ideals, then Huckabee and Romney are perfect for her. They are just as politically expedient and likely to sacrifice their ideals for mere political support as she apparently is.

Ron Paul represents more than just the issues he advocates and the people who support him. He represents integrity, character and fierce righteousness in the face of crass political expediency. THAT is more important than 'a chance of winning'- which, despite all the bleating, sheeplike naysayers, he has an EXCELLENT chance of doing!

xtrabiggg
++++++++++++++++++++

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Dari Linior — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:38:13 GMT

I was going to vote for Mr. Huckabee, however; due to his lack of enforcement regarding our borders he has lost my vote for sure!

I hope to GOD that Lou Dobbs runs for president, he would absolutely get my vote.

I am not against the Immigrant who wants to better their life by coming to America. All I and many millions of other Legal Americans are asking for is
to immigrate to America Legally.

A quick snapshot shows that our Healthcare system must accept Illegals when they need to give birth. Guess how many Illegals our having children these days?

Who will be paying for these costs, HMMMMMM?

Just a thought!

Merry Christmas.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Josue Ortiz — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:55:11 GMT

As a Hispanic I am PROUD to say Ron Paul will NEVER have our vote, regardless of his stance on immigration. How he wants to handle nutjobs like "Shut Up" Chavez and "I'm Not Quite Dead Yet" Castro will offend anyone with a brain, especially those of us that know first-hand what those two devils bring.

Way to flaunt your international credentials Paul - you think no one has tried economic appeasement before? What, do we have to get to the 6.5 million dead mark before you realize that never works?

Vote for Ron Paul - Endorsed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Cuban President Fidel CastroJoseph Ort

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

David Arbogast, Davenport, Iowa — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:14:41 GMT

I live in Iowa and I know Deb Miller personally as a woman of solid Christian integrity.

That being said, I have never been and am not now a supporter of Ron Paul. Nevertheless, his campaign has me listed as a precinct captain - despite the fact that I personally talked with his county campaign manager and told him to take me off the list. That has not stopped me from being bombarded with multiple daily recorded messages from Dr. Paul daily. I was truly amazed to receive in the mail a calling list for all the registered Republicans in my precinct and a list of his supporters in my county.

Out of curiousity I decided to do my own personal polling, which is about as unbiased as you can get. I discovered that a solid majority of those I called will not be attended the caucus. Of those that plan to attend the caucus approximately half told me that they are undecided. Out of all the calls I made I did not encounter a single Ron Paul supporter, although I know that there is one household in my precinct with yard signs for him (they were not home when I called).

I then called the list of Paul "supporters" out of curiousity, as well. This was during prime calling time and their phone lines should have been busy. I discovered that several lived out of state and would not be able to participate in our local caucus. Approximately half of these "supporters" did not plan to attend the caucus. Of the remaining individuals, all were Paul supporters and planned to attend the caucus.

My final analysis is that the media polls are probably correct in pegging Dr. Paul's potential caucus results in the single digits.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

DAVID aNDERS — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:44:21 GMT

DARI LINIOR HILLARY WILL PAY FOR YOU AND ALL OTHER FREE LOADERS, HUCK S FAIR TAX PAYS FOR EVERYTHING AND YOU GET YOUR WHOLE CHECK WAKE UP

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

R LaValle, Chicago, IL — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:57:33 GMT

At my former job I was responsible for public aid funds for gas and electric. Needy legal citizens were denied these benefits due to the drain of IHEAP/ILEAP money that went to illegals. We need to use taxpayers money wisely for legal citizens, not just give handouts to law breakers. Sanctuary cities and governors like Mike Huckabee apparently have more compassion for ILLEGAL lawbreakers than the legal American public.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

nationalist — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:24:42 GMT

if u like the bush plan on illegal immagration, then vote for huckabee. he is open borders, thru and thru.we need strong leadership in our country. and the minister just can't provide that.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Deb Miller, Muscatine, IA — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:15:00 GMT

This is Deb Miller & I would like to answer some questions & obvious untruths. First, let's start with I'm looking for a candidate, therefore, I am unemployed (and NOT getting a "fistful of money" or any money for that matter), I am not a plant (for who?), the scripture I referred to was Romans 13 which states that God puts those in authority & if we rebel against the authority He put in place, we rebel against Him. As far as my investigation, no, I didn't need to investigation illegal immigration, I needed to research Mike Huckabee, which is what I did and had with me. Stuff the article didn't mention: I became a part-time staffer in October, illegal immigration IS my issue because 98% of the VIOLENT crimes committed in Muscatine (my town) were committed by illegals. Almost 1/3 of those in federal prisons are illegals. Illegals cost about $300 billion a year. And many other reasons. And finally, the US government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. Their duty is to decide who comes in and out of this country and for what purpose. I absolutely agree that scripture does not say that we must allow laws that are against God (worshipping someone else, etc.), however, it is not inhumane to protect American citizens. It is inhumane to encourage companies to exploit and make a slave class out of those who come here illegally in order to make a bigger profit. One final thing, Mike's answer on why he opposed the raid was hypocritcal. He said he opposed it because the government failed to provide child care for the children whose parents were arrested. This compassion is not extended towards American citizens. I feel compassion towards any child whose parents commit crimes and the children are victims. To say that the government should investigate as to whether or not a child is involved before arresting a parent and make sure that child care is provided is simply untrue. No American child is extended this compassion, no American citizen expects a police officer go to their house or child's school and make sure that the children are provided for before they are arrested. Thus, the reason Mike does not make sense. It does make sense that since the Tyson plant is the one who was affected from the raid (from my research) and they are a big donor to him, that was the real deciding factor in why he opposed the raid. I'm still looking for a candidate, as I said, I'm still undecided, as I said. By the way, this has NOTHING to do with race. It is about the law. There is a group of American Hispanics who are strongly opposed to illegal immigration and amnesty, are they to be called racists as well? Their website is dontspeakforme. Finally, when we as a country reward illegal behavior and believe that we as individuals can pick and choose which laws we choose to obey, we are in for a big fall.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Rox Upstate Missouri — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:43:00 GMT

Huckabee seems to be a nice guy but he simply doesn't have the credentials. Where is his experience with foreign policy? He has a very limited education. There were several ethics quections raised during his admin in AR. He runs a state that doesn't even remotely have a fraction of the economy of some of the larger states like TX, CA, or th bigger economic ones like NY Guiliani and MA Romney yet he hopes to run one of the largest economies in the world (yes, I know USA isn't a one man show but he ultimately is the face of the nation and has the power to sign or veto legislation). I just see him as nice but very weak and I will guarantee you Hill and Bill would have a blast with ethics questions and have the money to squash him if they want (personally, I think they are hoping he'll get the nom because he would be the easiest to beat).

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

WWJD4immigrants, Chicago, IL — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 23:55:48 GMT

The way people quote scripture to say that we shouldn't care if the children of immigrants who are arrested are treated humanely makes me physically sick to my stomach. Jesus would not have said, let the children rot without their parents, nor would he have said all the cruel, dehumanizing things (in capital letters) that people on these message boards like to say. On Christmas, especially, I ask people to look in their hearts and ask- where would Jesus stand on this issue.

I can bet you it wouldn't have been "let's see who can be the biggest show-off in the get-tough-on-immigrants parade"

I'm not even sure why people are throwing around the term open borders around- as far as i can tell, no one in Washington has ever advocated open borders. The questions are whether it makes sense to deport 12 million people, whether these people are contributing to the economy and to our society, etc. The idea that people don't want to learn English is silly- many immigrants here now work 3 jobs, and the time they have to learn english is small.

I think people are just hungry for something to blame the many problems our country is having on. Immigration just happens to be that thing right now- like gay marriage was last election.

Also, fear of brown people is a real thing- i don't necessarily mean "racism," here, but actually real fear- that the color of America is changing. For those who are afraid, don't worry. Jesus, and most Biblical figures, were tan, not white, even if we desaturate them for our church posters.

Merry Christmas to all reading this still, I hope that some of you at least, still listen to your heart, or to reason, this holiday season.

The fear mongerers will surely jump all over me for writing this, but I'm not afraid to turn the other cheek.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Bettybb — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 04:38:44 GMT

Huck is a Huckster.

Watch Out !

He says he is for tough immigration, and that illegals will return home in 120 days, but fails to mention they will come right back as legals!

"While Mike Huckabee's promoted immigration plan appears tough on immigration enforcement, his campaign statements and website omit the part about the fast return of illegal aliens. Mike Huckabee stated on Fox news December 9th that illegals should be able to apply for the path to citizenship like a "credit card" and be back in a matter of days! He has since refused to discuss this position with the press." ALIPAC

He has been lying about running successfully against the Clintons. He never ran against them.

He has been lying about the pardons he gave. He denies it. Those pardoned dispute that.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Steve, Seattle, Washington — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:11:16 GMT

I don't care that Huckabee is a so-called christian. What bothers me, is that he has consistantly used his so-called religious accomplishments to boost his campaign as well as attack others.

The only thing Huckabee wants you to think is that he is some how qualified to be president because he used to be a baptist minister and is a so called true "Christian Leader".

Look through his "Awe Schucks" act and see him for what he really is. Mike Huckabee is a wolf in sheep's clothing that uses the religion card to push his own agenda.

MIKE HUCKABEE WANTS MORE OF YOUR MONEY.

FACT: Mike Huckabee signed a sales tax hike in 1996 to fund the Games and Fishing Commission and the Department of Parks and Tourism (Source: Cato Policy Analysis No. 315, 09/03/98)

FACT: Mike Huckabee supported an internet sales tax in 2001. (Source: Americans for Tax Reform, 01/07/07)

FACT: Mike Huckabee publicly opposed the repeal of a sales tax on groceries and medicine in 2002. (Source: Arkansas News Bureau, 08/30/02)

MIKE HUCKABEE WANTS EVEN MORE OF YOUR MONEY.

FACT: Mike Huckabee signed bills raising taxes on gasoline (1999), cigarettes (2003) and a $5.25 per day bed-tax on private nursing home patients in 2001. (Source: Americans for Tax Reform, 01/07/07 and Arkansas News Bureau 03/01/01)

FACT: Mike Huckabee proposed another sales tax hike in 2002 to fund education improvements. (Source: Arkansas News Bureau, 12/05/02)

MIKE HUCKABEE ON TAXES.....

FACT: Mike Huckabee’s substantial tax hikes far surpassed his modest tax cuts, with the average tax burden increasing by a whopping 47% over his tenure. (Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 10/09/07)

FACT: Mike Huckabee opposed a congressional measure to ban internet taxes in 2003. (Source: Arkansas News Bureau, 11/21/03)

FACT: Mike Huckabee in 2004, he allowed a 17% sales tax increase to become law. (Source: The Gurdon Times, 03/02/04)

MIKE HUCKABEE TOUGH ON CRIME....

FACT: Mike Huckabee granted 1,033 pardons and commutations, including 12 convicted murderers, one of which "Wayne DuMond" shortly after his release moved to Missouri where he raped and murdered Carol Sue Shields. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in Clay County, Mo., in 2003. He died in prison in 2005.

MIKE HUCKABEE THE REAL "CHRISTIAN LEADER"....

FACT: Mike Huckabee stole over $70,000 worth of furniture from the Arkansas governors mansion.

Google: Counting the furniture Huckabee takes his office furniture; a conflict on Mansion gift. (Source: Arkansas Times 12/14/06 Leslie Newell Peacock)

FACT: Mike Huckabee set up a nonprofit entity so he could give paid ``inspirational'' speeches without having to disclose the donors.

Google: Huckabee's Boom May Be About Ready to Bust: Margaret Carlson (SOURCE: Bloomberg Dec 12, 2007 Margaret Carlson)

FACT: Arkansas lawmakers criticized the registries, which were listed as "wedding" registries, even though the Huckabees have been married since 1974.

MIKE HUCKABEE ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION....

FACT: Mike Huckabee supported in-state higher education benefits for children of illegal immigrants.

FACT: Mike Huckabee opposed a federal raid of 119 illegal immigrants at an Arkansas Tyson poultry plant, 107 of whom left the country either voluntarily or through deportation.

(SOURCE: Melissa Nelson, "Huckabee Risks Political Fortunes To Denounce Immigration Raid," Associated Press, 8/5/05)

MIKE HUCKABEE A GOLD DIGGER......

FACT: The ethics commission fined Huckabee $1,000 for failing to report that he paid himself $14,000 from his 1992 U.S. Senate campaign and $43,000 from his 1994 lieutenant governor's campaign.

FACT: Huckabee accepted more than 300 gifts worth at least $130,000, ranging from $3,700 cowboy boots to a $600 chainsaw.

Google: Huckabee rivals unearth ethics complaints (Source: POLITICO Kenneth P. Vogel Nov 21, 2007)

Look through his "Awe Schucks" act and see him for what he really is. Mike Huckabee is a wolf in sheep's clothing that uses the religion card to push his own agenda.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Brad, NFondduLac, WI — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:20:38 GMT

Obviously this lady and some others here haven't read the positions of all the candidates. Fred Thompson was the first candidate to put forth a plan to combat illegal immigration. It can be found here:

http://www.fred08.com/virtual/Immigration.aspx

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

beyondrightwing — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:24:02 GMT

Ron "blah blah blah" Paul. He's CLUELESS on the threats to our country! And NO, Dr. No has NO CHANCE of garnering the GOP nomination. Save your money, you'll need when Shrillary becomes the next president because we're not willing to support the ONLY true conservative in the race, Fred Thompson!

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Robert Jorgenson, Salt Lake City, Utah — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:25:07 GMT

Mitt Romney,

Or should I say Flip Flopper Romney!

Mitt Romney's Flip Flop Record

ABORTION

From the Left:

Romney ran against Senator Edward M. Kennedy in 1994. During a debate, Romney declared: "I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it."
- Boston Globe, March 2, 2006

"I respect and will protect a woman's right to choose."
-2002 Questionnaire for the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL)
Boston Globe, July 3, 2005

From the Right:

"I am pro-life. I believe that abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. I wish the people of America agreed, and that the laws of our nation could reflect that view. But while the nation remains so divided over abortion, I believe that the states, through the democratic process, should determine their own abortion laws and not have them dictated by judicial mandate."
- Boston Globe, Op-Ed, July 26, 2005

More from the Right:

"Every decision I have made as Governor in a very liberal state has been on the side of favoring life." – Governor Romney

- Robert Behre, "Romney Gets S.C. Support," Charleston Post-Courier, January 30, 2007

STEM CELL RESEARCH

From the Left:

"Romney has decided to support experimentation on surplus frozen embryos from in-vitro fertilization procedures."
- National Review Online, February 11, 2005

"At a campaign appearance at Brandeis University in June 2002, Romney strongly endorsed stem cell research."
- Boston Globe, December 17, 2006 Read the article

From the Center:

"Governor Mitt Romney set off a storm of criticism yesterday after he declared in a published interview that he favored banning a specific type of stem cell research. Scientists and the leader of the state Senate accused him of trying to block a promising avenue of research, even as antiabortion groups assailed him for declaring that he did not object to stem cell research involving embryos from fertility clinics."
- Boston Globe, February 11, 2005 Read the article

From the Right:

"I studied the issue for many months, and entered into conversation with experts from across the nation who were looking for consensus solutions, like Stanford's Dr. William Hurlbut. In the end, I became persuaded that the stem-cell debate was grounded in a false premise, and that the way through it was around it: by the use of scientific techniques that could produce the equivalent of embryonic stem cells but without cloning, creating, harming, or destroying developing human lives."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, "A Stem-Cell Solution," National Review Online, June 15, 2007

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

From the Left:

"When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney said he supported expanding access to the emergency contraception pill, a high dose of hormones that women can take to prevent pregnancy up to five days after sex . . . On a questionnaire Planned Parenthood gave to the gubernatorial candidates in 2002, Romney answered 'yes' to the question, 'Do you support efforts to increase access to emergency contraception?' "
- Boston Globe, July 7, 2005

From the Right:

"Yesterday I vetoed a bill that the Legislature forwarded to my desk. Though described by its sponsors as a measure relating to contraception, there is more to it than that. The bill does not involve only the prevention of conception: The drug it authorizes would also terminate life after conception."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, "Why I Vetoed The Contraception Bill," Boston Globe, July 26, 2005 Read the article

GAY RIGHTS

From the Left:

"All citizens deserve equal rights, regardless of their sexual orientation. While he does not support gay marriage, Mitt Romney believes domestic partnership status should be recognized in a way that includes the potential for health benefits and rights of survivorship."
- Romney's 2002 campaign website

"Mitt and Kerry Wish You a Great Pride Weekend! All citizens deserve equal rights, regardless of their sexual preference"
- A flier handed out at "Gay Pride" by the Romney/Healey Campaign See the flier here

"We have discussed a number of important issues such as the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which I have agreed to co-sponsor, and if possible broaden to include housing and credit, and a bill to create a federal panel to find ways to reduce gay and lesbian youth suicide, which I also support. One issue I want to clarify concerns [grammar in context] President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue" military policy. I believe that the Clinton compromise was a step in the right direction. I am also convinced that it is the first of a number of steps that will ultimately lead to gays and lesbians being able to serve openly and honestly in our nation's military. That goal will only be reached when preventing discrimination against gays and lesbians is a mainstream concern, which is a goal we share…"
- Governor Romney letter to Log Cabin Republicans, October 6, 1994 Read the letter here

From the Right:

Lopez: "And what about the 1994 letter to the Log Cabin Republicans where you indicated you would support the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and seemed open to changing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military? Are those your positions today?

Gov. Romney: "No. I don't see the need for new or special legislation. My experience over the past several years as governor has convinced me that ENDA would be an overly broad law that would open a litigation floodgate and unfairly penalize employers at the hands of activist judges...As for military policy and the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, I trust the counsel of those in uniform who have set these policies over a dozen years ago. I agree with President Bush's decision to maintain this policy and I would do the same."
- Interview with National Review, December 14, 2006 Read the interview

MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

From the Left:

In 2002, before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declared same-sex marriage protected by the Constitution, Romney denounced as "too extreme" the effort by pro-family groups to enact a preemptive state Marriage Protection Amendment prohibiting homosexual marriage, civil unions and same-sex public employee benefits.
- Boston Phoenix, May 14-20, 2004

From the Right:

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "Do you support a national constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage?"

Governor Romney: "Boy, I sure do. You know, that's a topic that's really, I think, very important to the country because marriage is not just about adults. Marriage is about the development and nurturing of kids, and in my view, the development of a child is enhanced by having a mom and dad. And so, I think it's very important that we have a national standard because marriage is a status. You get married in one place and then you move to another, you're still married at least in the eyes of the community and the children and the benefits may not follow you, but ultimately we're going to have one standard of marriage in this country and that standard ought to be one man and one woman."
- MSNBC's "Morning Joe" September 17, 2007

GUN RIGHTS

From the Left:

"He [Romney] is a supporter of the federal assault weapons ban."
- Romney 2002 campaign website

More from the Left:

In his 1994 US Senate run, Romney backed two gun-control measures strongly opposed by the National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups: the Brady Bill, which imposed a five-day waiting period on gun sales, and a ban on certain assault weapons.

"That's not going to make me the hero of the NRA," Romney told the Boston Herald in 1994.

At another campaign stop that year, he told reporters: "I don't line up with the NRA."
- Boston Globe, January 14, 2007 Read the article

From the Right:

"Americans should have the right to own and possess firearms as guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution," said Governor Romney. "I'm proud to be among the many decent, law-abiding men and women who safely use firearms."
- Governor Romney, News Release, January 12, 2007

WAITING PERIODS FOR GUNS

From the Left:

Regarding the Brady Bill which required waiting periods to buy a handgun, Romney stated, "I don't think [the waiting period] will have a massive effect on crime but I think it will have a positive effect."
- Boston Herald, August 1, 1994

From the Right:

"Romney says he still backs the ban on assault weapons, but he won't say whether he stands by the Brady Bill. And after the gun show tour, his campaign declined to say whether he would still describe himself as a supporter of tough gun laws."
- Boston Globe, January 14, 2007 Read the article

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

From the Left:

"The minimum wage is important to our economy and Mitt Romney supports minimum wage increase, at least in line with inflation."
- Romney 2002 campaign website

From the Right:

Governor Mitt Romney yesterday rejected the Legislature's plan to raise the state minimum wage to $8 an hour over two years, angering Democratic lawmakers and advocates who accused him of abandoning a 2002 campaign pledge to significantly boost the pay of low-wage workers.
- Boston Globe, July 22, 2006 Read the article

EDUCATION

During his 1994 campaign for Senate he continually called for the abolishment of the Department of Education.
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

Governor Romney now supports the No Child Left Behind Act.
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

IMMIGRATION

From the Left:

In a November 2005 interview with the Boston Globe, Romney described immigration proposals by McCain and others as "quite different" from amnesty, because they required illegal immigrants to register with the government, work for years, pay taxes, not take public benefits, and pay a fine before applying for citizenship.

"That's very different than amnesty, where you literally say, 'OK, everybody here gets to stay,' " Romney said in the interview. "It's saying you could work your way into becoming a legal resident of the country by working here without taking benefits and then applying and then paying a fine."

Romney did not specifically endorse McCain's bill, saying he had not yet formulated a full position on immigration. But he did speak approvingly of efforts by McCain and Bush to solve the nation's immigration crisis, calling them "reasonable proposals."

Romney also said in the interview that it was not "practical or economic for the country" to deport the estimated 12 million immigrants living in the US illegally. "These people contribute in many cases to our economy and to our society," he said. "In some cases, they do not. But that's a whole group we're going to have to determine how to deal with."
- Boston Globe, March 16, 2007 Read the article

From the Right:

In his appeals to conservative voters, Romney has made the Arizona senator's work on immigration one of his favorite targets. When McCain and other senators unveiled the latest reform bill two weeks ago, Romney called it the "wrong approach" and immediately launched a television ad slamming "amnesty" for illegal immigrants.
- Boston Globe, June 1, 2007 Read the article

TAXES

From the Left:

"Governor Romney…imposed a slew of fee hikes and tax 'loophole' closures….The largest of these was $259 million worth of fee hikes in FY 2004, the bulk of which came from higher Registry of Deeds fees. Smaller fee hikes, including higher charges for boaters and golfers, we imposed in FY 2003 and FY 2005. Romney also sought $128 million worth of so-called tax loophole closures for FY 2004; $70 million for FY 2005; and $170 million for FY 2006, which were later reduced to $85 million due to backlash from business leaders."
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

"Romney continues to oppose the flat tax with harsh language, calling the tax 'unfair.'"
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

Romney didn't support President Bush's tax cuts in 2003. That earned him praise from liberal Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA)
- Boston Globe, April 11, 2003.

From the Right:

"I said no to a tax hike; raising taxes hurts working people and scares away jobs. I also said no to more borrowing; borrowing just shifts our problems to the backs of our kids...Instead, I went after waste, inefficiency, duplication, and patronage."
- Governor Romney, Boston Globe, October 24, 2005

NO NEW TAXES PLEDGE

From the Left:

In 2002, Romney broke with his predecessor, Jane Swift, and Republican governors before her by declining to sign a written vow not to raise taxes once in office.

- Boston Globe, January 5, 2007 Read the article

From the Right:

Almost five years after he refused to sign a "no new taxes" pledge during his campaign for governor, Mitt Romney announced yesterday that he had done just that, as his campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination began in earnest.
- Boston Globe, January 5, 2007 Read the article

CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS

From the Left:

Governor Romney has changed his position on key campaign finance reform issues several times during public life. During his 1994 Senate campaign, he held far left positions that advocated for abolishing PACs and creating strict campaign spending limits.

- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

From the Right:

As he runs for President, Romney abandoned his previous stance and has come out as a harsh critic of McCain-Feingold, and those presidential candidates who support it. His transformation has even propelled him to call for the legislation's repeal.
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

ON HIS FAVORITE BOOK

From the Left:

He told Fox News his favorite book is L. Ron Hubbard's "Battlefield Earth"

From the Right:

He also told Fox news his favorite book is the The Bible

Or

Who Knows:

His MySpace page said his favorite book is "Huckleberry Finn"

Read more news articles on Mitt Romney's Record
Watch a video from Mitt Romney's 1994 debate with Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA)

Also new Photos of Flip Flopper Mitt Romney at a Pro Choice convention speaking at it.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Dale, Dallas, TX — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 22:41:12 GMT

Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul, blah blah blah. He has no chance to win the nomination, and will probably not even hold his House seat. All of you supporters have made your point and brought some issues to the forefront (much like Tancredo), now get on a horse you can ride and take a look at Fred Thompson, the only true conservative in the race.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

bill lowe, norman, ok — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:59:07 GMT

1. There's the "lettuce" argument -- we'll be paying $5/head (or starving) if we don't have illegal aliens working in the fields. As Phil Martin, ag economist at UC Davis shows, the field labor cost in a $1 head of lettuce is about 6 cents. Triple those wages and Americans will do the jobs. (They're not career positions. They're seasonal jobs for young people, starting in the world of work. Growing up in Chicago in the 1950s and 1960s, I did similarly menial jobs.) And you'll be paying 10% more for lettuce and other produce. Do you spend $1,000/year on produce? OK, you'll pay $100 more.

The lettuce argument also parallels that for the retention of slavery.

2. There's the "everyone's an immigrant except for the 'Native Americans'" argument. Well, the American Indians didn't sprout from the land, they came across the Bering land bridge from Asia. So if the criterion is "You're an immigrant if you had an ancestor who immigrated here," then American Indians are immigrants, too.

In that case, "immigrant" is no longer a useful word, since EVERYONE's an immigrant.

But actually, I'm not an immigrant -- I was born in Chicago and have no other "native land" to return to. And, surely, most of the commenters here aren't immigrants.

3. There's the "the U.S. stole the southwest" argument. Well, the land in dispute was "owned" by Spain for a couple of centuries. Then by Mexico for about 25 years. During these periods, there weren't more than a few thousand Spaniards or Mexicans in the entire territory. It's been owned by the U.S. for about 160 years now, much longer than Mexico's reign. And the U.S. has actually done something with the land, made it habitable for tens of millions. As Robert Kaplan has described, the difference between American and Mexican "twin cities" straddling the border is like night and day, yet the land is obviously the same. It's not the dirt that's important, it's the people. Put another way, if culture didn't matter, Mexico and Central America would be paradise.

4. There's the "illegal aliens pay tons of taxes" argument. Sure, they all pay real estate taxes (in rent) and sales taxes (most states). Those working on the books (typically using stolen Social Security numbers) pay FICA and, perhaps, income taxes. But they're mostly ill-educated and low-skilled and pay very low taxes connected to their working -- in fact, many claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, i.e. negative income tax! If a family with both parents working has two kids in school, that's at least $15k/year just for schooling, way more than the taxes on, say, $35k/year aggregate income.

Robert Rector at the Heritage Foundation has done the systematic accounting on all this. A typical household headed by a low-skilled illegal alien is a net drain of about $20k/year for the rest of us, year after year. (Low-skilled Americans are a similar burden, but they're part of the national family, not gate crashers from other societies.)

5. There's the "illegal immigration is bad, but legal immigration is terrific" argument. Nope. If that were the case, legalizing (i.e. amnestying) the illegal aliens would solve the problem. But they'd still be (on average) low-skilled workers whose burden on the rest of us would continue. In fact, once legal they'd be able to access more public benefits programs, so their cost to the rest of us would actually rise substantially.

In short, most of the problems of mass illegal immigration are shared by mass legal immigration.

Finally, I offer my distilled observations of what mass immigration is doing to our country based on living in southern California 1996 - 2005, before I fled the madness:

- The flood of immigrants drives wages and living conditions in our central cities toward those of the Third World.

- The influx imposes both sprawl and gridlock on our metropolitan areas.

- Immigrant families needing services overwhelm our schools, taxpayer-funded healthcare facilities, and other public agencies.

- Those requiring services don’t assimilate and, instead, expect to be served in their native languages.

- American civic culture frays as each ethnic group establishes its own grievance lobby and pushes for preferences.

- Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (new, drug-resistant strains) return.

- Shortages of water and other resources loom, especially in immigration-blitzed Az, Texas, NM & California.

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

RP who — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:46:32 GMT

I do agree with the statement that RP has the greatest inet following!!! Just look at any thread, if his support is any where equal in society at large he will win everything with record setting margins..Although you are only supposed to vote once, we all know thats questionable too

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

RJ, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 23:29:41 GMT

Ron Paul has no chance, the more you think it, the more it will blow up in your face, so pick someone that will be the best for our GOP candidate. After much searching, I have finally decided that Romney has my vote. I love Duncan Hunter, but once again, a vote for him doesn't really count..... I certainly don't want Guiliani or Huckabee, so what are my choices? Romney has the only real chance of winning the presidency above anyone else. A vote for Huckabee or Guiliani will get us removed from the White House for sure. Then we can fight about America becoming Mexico because Democrats want that now and aren't ashamed to post their views. Scary!

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Barbara Evans — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:20:59 GMT

I only have one thing to say! Why can't the American
people open their eyes to the invasion coming over the southern border. Why do we give everything to them and nothing to our own American citizens? Is this a joke? Believe me I know the route. It took me one and a half years to get help for my son's skin
disease. It has now been two and a half years with NO CARE! Can't be because we are white and American citizens! What we need is someone who is tough on the ILLEGAL immigration! They get everything they want and they are taking over the whole country. Who is the one who will be able to ENFORCE OUR LAWS??? Duncan Hunter is the BEST CHOICE BY FAR!! Also bear in mind the Mexicans aren't the ONLY people in the world who deserve a chance at the American dream (Is there some bias here because all the Mexican government does is threaten us)?

Huckabee dogged by immigration issue

Ron Paul for President — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:34:09 GMT

Huckabee is definitely another dumb Bush and yes Bush is dumb. Obama claims he is going to "make a change" How many times have we heard that? If you want to stay in war and keep financing the Israli agendas, vote for Huckabee. If you want a president who can't make up his mind from day to day what he stands for, vote for Romney. But if you want a president who stands by the constitution and who will bring this country back to what it should be, vote for Ron Paul. Wake up America!!!!