Jeb Bush: Romney and GOP have 'work to do' on illegal immigration stance

The Guardian ^ | Monday 11 June 2012 | Chris McGreal

[MinorityRepublican]

Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor and brother of the ex-president, has warned Mitt Romney that he has boxed himself in politically with rhetoric over illegal immigration and said Republicans need a change of tone on the issue if they are to win over Latino voters.

Bush said that immigration was among issues that have seen Republicans become so partisan that even Ronald Reagan would face trouble winning the party's presidential nomination today because he co-operated with Democrats.

The former governor, who has been touted as a possible running mate for Romney but who says he does not want the job, told a meeting with Bloomberg journalists that Romney needs to break away from talking about immigration solely in the context of undocumented aliens and tightening borders.

"Don't just talk about Hispanics and say immediately we must have controlled borders," he said. "It's kind of insulting when you think about it. Change the tone would be the first thing. Second, on immigration, I think we need to have a broader approach."

Florida is a key battleground in November's presidential election. Obama won two-thirds of the Hispanic vote there 2008.

Bush said Romney had understandably zeroed in on illegal immigration during the Republican primaries, talking about tightening border controls and other measures in order to connect with voters who accuse undocumented aliens of taking jobs and burdening the health and education systems. But the former governor said that in doing so, Romney had alienated other voters.

[Paladin2]

Jeb is no Sarah Palin to help conservatives hold their nose while voting RINO.

[Williams]

I must say Jeb Bush is working on me really disliking him. There is no reason anyone should support illegal immigration. Also, thisi s not the time for his public soul searching when he knows the election hangs in the balance.

Further, it certainly has to strike Freepers as odd that Jeb Bush has decided a republican party led by Mitt Romney is some awful hard right enterprise.

I understand his local politics reasons for wanting to be “sensitive” on this issue, but he does not need to scare hispanic voters away and back to Barack Obama.

And Jeb, it is not “insulting” to any law abiding hispanic citizen, to talk about securing the border.

[rottndog]

Bush said Romney had understandably zeroed in on illegal immigration during the Republican primaries, talking about tightening border controls and other measures in order to connect with voters who accuse undocumented aliens of taking jobs and burdening the health and education systems. But the former governor said that in doing so, Romney had alienated other voters.

BOTH of those FACTS, not accusations, are TRUE! Many counties and municipalities across the country are being crushed by the burdens illegals are forcing upon the taxpayers. And it is absolutely inarguable illegal aliens are displacing American workers by the MILLIONS.

And, BTW, I don't give a ratt's A$$ who is alienated (interesting choice of wording) by speaking the truth and trying to deal with these FACTS. In fact, I don't want votes from people who are so offended.

Hey Jeb....STFU! God forbid one of YOUR loved ones be run over and injured or even killed by an unlicensed ILLEGAL alien, just as thousands of other Americans have been. ILLEGALS who wouldn't be here in the first place if heartless MORONS like you actually did the one thing you were elected to office to do....ENFORCE THE LAWS!

[stockpirate]

Romney has a position, it just isn’t the one Jeb and the socialist Bush’s want.

[Bratch]

[Conservative Vermont Vet]

The GOPe continue to make the Republican party the ONLY JOKE that can possibly LOSE to Obama.

You hope!!!

Got Kool Aid???

[hosepipe]

Another Shrub making noise...
Could be 10 years before Bush Jr. gets his due as hero of the democrat party..
Or when the democrats finally martyr Zero as the next MLK...
a plane accident or crazed RINO... or something else..
The Bushes made Barry Half-White possible..

The Bush’s are stealth democrats.. even the wives..
They are pro-UNION as much Dohbama(and Myth/Santorum) is/are..

[caveat emptor]

From yesterday's NYT.

Latinos are not registering or voting in numbers that fully reflect their potential strength, leaving Hispanic leaders frustrated and Democrats worried as they increase efforts to rally Latino support.
..........................................

Although Latinos do not turn up at the polls in the same numbers, relative to their population, as other ethnic groups, their overall numbers are growing so rapidly that they are nevertheless on the verge of becoming the powerful force in American politics that officials in both parties have long anticipated .

Mañana.

[KC_Conspirator]

This is just stupidity.

[Gator113]

Gee, let me guess.

Jeb Bush is setting up to be Obama’s running mate, in readiness for his run in 2016.

[cripplecreek]

I certainly haven’t forgotten Mitt’s tough on immigration stance of repeatedly warning the help that they need to be legal despite knowing that they weren’t.

As for those who think this is the DU where they can silence those who don’t join the herd, life is tough buttercup and its bound to get a lot tougher.

[fish hawk]

Hey Jeb, it's the economy STUPID!!!! Immigration, abortion, gay marriage, etc, come after the White House, Senate, and House are ours. That is right after dumping a truck load of RINOs.

[pallis]

I used to think Jeb was the brightest bulb burning in the Bush’s rumpus room, but now I think George and Barbara had a real wattage shortage going on with their kids. Jeb is stuck on stupid when it comes to immigration policies and amnesty. He also fails to see the real opportunity Republicans have to bring in Hispanic Catholics. Why would anyone think that imitating liberals with immigration policies would cause people to come to the Republican Party? We can’t out Democrat the Democrats, but we can stand in contrast, as Scott Walker has demonstrated. We can offer a conservative alternative to the Christian hating left.

[LibLieSlayer]

jeb bush is a pro mexico, open borders, citizen rights for illegal aliens, amnesty loving political animal.

LLS

[LibLieSlayer]

jeb bush represents the heart and soul of the republican leadership... and it is THEIR party... not ours! We do not get any respect from the leadership. We do not get any input into party decisions and party agenda items. We are denigrated by them at every turn... they despise us... they are embarrassed by us... but they lie themselves into our pocketbooks and have themselves become nothing but grifters. jeb bush is a member of the elite inner circle of grifters.

LLS

[kenmcg]

For one time and one time only....one can agree with the Rev. Jesse Jackson who proclaimed “out da Bushs”!

[ScottinVA]

Jeb, you`re dismissed. Thanks for playing. You`ve said your piece.. now go away.

[sgtyork]

Agreed. The Bushes are not a force for strength and the protection of our nation - unfortunately.

[Windflier]

Jeb, you vacuous, elitist, unprincipled RINO. Shut the hell up and sit down, would you?

You and your clan are not a part of the new political paradigm of the right, and we are SICK of hearing your bleating, Democrat think!

George, would you kindly slap some sense into your little brother? Thanks.

[Windflier]

Romney has a position =
A campaign promise =
Hot air devoid of any value.