His refusal to deal with illegals is one reason I’m not enthusiastic about Perry. He is solid on abortion, overall better than McCain, and electable, but he isn’t the most principled conservative candidate in the race.
Would you please put some meat on those bones so I can respond?
Keep one thing in context. He is the only person in the race (maybe) that has border security problems. Palin doesn't, Romney, Cain, Pawlenty, etc. None of them do. Every single one of these candidates can sit back and pick at Perry on border issues and not have to face the same questions.
Are you with me?
That being said,(and I am a native Texan,) I truly believe Perry has been smart on border issues. He cannot act unilaterally to solve the problem. Realize that, first. With what he has at his disposal, I think he's been very firm and solid - urging Obama to provide troops, passing a voter I.D. law (illegals can potentially vote with enough credentials short of a driver's license)...incidentally, since Perry has been governor, he has made it virtually impossible for illegals to get a D.L. in this state. Before Perry, they could walk in to any DMV office and obtain one without a birth certificate.
And finally, while his border record is within the scope of his duties as governor, he has operated in a way that I think will benefit him with hispanic voters in Texas and possibly elsewhere. In other words, while being as firm as he can, he hasn't alienated and pissed off hispanics in the process.
What you and I wish for on immigration, in the broader picture, can cripple a candidate, come voting time. Its a dangerous perch to be on and while the temptation to rattle sabres might suit you and me, you have to think about all the hispanic republicans and natives that a candidate can LOSE in that process. Slippery slope, proceed with caution.
He has.