South Carolina Governor Sanford vs. SC Lawmakers On Immigration Bill

WSPA-TV ^ | May 02, 2008 | AP

[Clear Rivers]

((The bill allows for fines as high as $10,000 when an employer knowingly hires an illegal immigrant. Sanford says federal law won't allow fines that range that high.))

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford says the Senate's illegal immigration bill has penalties that can't be enforced by the state.

Sanford says he will consider vetoing the bill if changes aren't made.

Senators passed a bill Wednesday that allows for fines as high as $10,000 when an employer knowingly hires an illegal immigrant. Sanford says federal law won't allow the state to impose fines that range that high.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce says it supports the penalties.

SC Senate leader says governor using Nazi-style propaganda tactic

The leader of the South Carolina Senate says Governor Sanford is using Nazi-style propaganda tactics in his disagreement with lawmakers.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said yesterday that Sanford is practicing --quote-- "Goebbels-style journalism" by making assertions believable simply because he repeats them over and over.

Josef Goebbels was Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister.

Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer says a comparison like that is absolutely uncalled for and the governor thinks McConnell owes South Carolina's Jewish community an apology.

[Darren McCarty]

Mark Sanford's one of my favorites, and this is another reason why. If he signs an illegal law, it gets tossed out of court. I know there's been a lot of debate over what Hazelton has done on this issue and they had troubles with the courts.

My gut feeling tells me that the pols in the State Senate want to pass a law they KNOW will be thrown out, have Sanford sign that. The courts then become the bad guys when it is tossed, and then say "We did what we could do, but the courts tossed it out."

[Darren McCarty]

Why sign a bill that will get tossed out of court anyway? Do it legally, and get the job done right.

[fieldmarshaldj]

I wish folks would read this article before jumping down Sanford’s throat. He prefers real solutions to grandstanding that accomplishes nothing.

[Lynne]

I understand the Senate version will only apply to employers with more than 100 employees. That will be no deterrent to all the landscapers, contractors, etc. that use illegal workers.

[LifeOrGoods?]

Wow. I used to think the world of Gov Sanford. Maybe the rumors that he wants to be McLame’s VP are true, because he's using McClame-like excuses to avoid solving a pressing problem in SC. Sign the bill already Mark!! Sheesh.

[LifeOrGoods?]

Disregard my knee-jerk reaction in my last post. Sanford is once again right on this one. Give ‘em hell Mark!!!!!!!!!!!!