Posted on 10/05/2006 8:11:04 AM PDT by SmithL
Phil Angelides says he doesn't favor erecting "a Great Wall of China" to keep illegal immigrants out of California, adding that he would take a "compassionate and pragmatic" approach as governor to the politically volatile immigration issue.
In a meeting with The Bee editorial board Wednesday, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate said he favors granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants because doing so would make California's roads safer.
And he said he would have signed a recent bill -- vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger -- to allow illegal immigrants to receive financial assistance to attend California's universities.
In a wide-ranging interview, Angelides also said he still believes he can win the gubernatorial race despite trailing by as much as 17 percent in recent polls.
He defended his campaign's attempt to link the Republican governor and his policies to President Bush, a decidedly unpopular figure with California voters. And he said he is counting on Saturday's gubernatorial debate to put him back into the race.
While espousing compassion on immigration, Angelides chided Schwarzenegger for not being tough enough to convince the federal government to reimburse California for nearly $750 million for the incarceration costs of illegal immigrants.
He also said California has been shortchanged by the Bush administration's failure to meet a post-Sept. 11, 2001, promise of providing 2,000 new U.S. Border Patrol agents a year.
"A governor ought to be rolling up his or her sleeves and demanding, cajoling and working with the federal government to get them to live up to their responsibilities," Angelides said.
Schwarzenegger campaign spokesman Matt David scoffed at the suggestion that Angelides could do better.
"The notion that Phil Angelides and his partisan rhetoric would return more money to California is absurd," David said.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
Pandering to the illegal voters?
Phil must be getting campaign advise from Gray Davis.
As soon as he takes out of the budget all the millions spent on illegals in the city that the taxpayers should save with a wall, he can tell us it is of no value.
The more these people kick and scream and destroy campus property, carry mexican flags, insult our history....the more I know we are doing the right thing with this wall.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Sorry, I know better.
"Phil Angelides says he doesn't favor erecting "a Great Wall of China" to keep illegal immigrants out of California, adding that he would take a "compassionate and pragmatic" approach as governor to the politically volatile immigration issue."
Sure Phil Baby, just keep California on the same path its on right now. Pretty soon, Los Angeles and other select cities won't be the only safe-haven for illegals. The whole state will belong to them...
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Of course he thinks it's wrong. It would keep out many of his constituents.
Translation - I'll let open the floodgates and make 'em all Democratic voters.
Say goodnight, Phil.
Why is it that whenever I hear a politician say the word "compassionate", I think they're just getting ready to stick their hand in my pocket?
Don't even get me started on the word "pragmatic".
:-)
ping
Why doesn't Angelides just come out and say, "If elected, I promise to pursue the reunification of California with Mexico at the earliest possible date."??
Angelides has to be the dumbest politician on the planet!
And with Angelides as his opponent, RINOld is the luckiest SOB running for reelection.
Hell, a fencepost could beat Angelides
Compassionate - "OK all you legal citizens of California, you can't think you have rights over illegals, open up your wallets and give me your hard earned money so we can show them compassion."
Pragmatic - "Wow, since we have all this new tax revenue, I've got a bunch of croonies and pet projects that could use funding........"
I'd pay to see that.
; )
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
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