Istook Rebukes Henry On Immigration Issue (Oklahoma)

ktul ^ | 8/2/06

[LouAvul]

Oklahoma City (AP) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Ernest Istook takes aim at Governor Brad Henry's immigration policies today, accusing the Democratic incumbent of not doing enough to fight illegal immigration and end public benefits for undocumented aliens.

Henry spokesman Paul Sund replies that delays in immigration reform policies are the fault of Istook and his colleagues in the G-O-P-controlled Congress.

Istook is leaving his 5th Congressional District seat to run for governor.

Istook says Henry has done little to crack down on illegal immigrants while governors in other states are taking sweeping action.

Istook pointed to laws in Colorado and Georgia that deny public benefits and jobs to illegal immigrants. He says Henry has shown support for providing public benefits to illegal aliens, including legislation Henry signed three years ago that provides in-state tuition to the children of undocumented aliens.

Sund says Henry signed the immigrant tuition bill after it got bipartisan support in the Legislature.

[ncountylee]

Istook is leaving his 5th Congressional District seat to run for governor.

Hope this is a "safe" district.

[alvindsv]

If you mean "safe" as in safely staying in the (R) column, I think that will be the case. There will be a run off later this month in the Republic party between the current Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin, and the current Mayor of Oklahoma City Mick Cornett. The winner of that race will take on David Hunter(D) whom I believe is a local Doctor, in the November general election.