You can’t build a fence to keep out illegal immigrants, so far as Karl Rove is concerned, and he counsels Republican congressional candidates against pushing such an approach to solve the problem of secure borders.
President Bush’s deputy chief of staff and main political adviser visited Denver last week, arriving, coincidentally, in the midst of the state’s roughest immigration policy battle in memory. The main political dynamic was the sight of Republicans at one another’s throats. In that regard, Rove surely felt right at home, for in Washington, GOP infighting has stalled congressional consideration of immigration reform. President Bush has been trying to break the legislative logjam, as Gov. Bill Owens did here.
Rove’s position on immigration will surprise many of his critics. He speaks sympathetically about Mexicans who risk their lives for a better future, saying border fencing is impractical in the face of such persistence and desperation. He told the Post editorial board he’d taken this message twice to the House Republican conference.
But Rove has failed so far to unify Republicans on the president’s bid for a comprehensive policy that includes a guest-worker program and a pathway to citizenship. He spoke candidly of the danger if Republicans were to bang an anti-immigration drum. His argument is reasoned – and politically astute. Most congressional seats at issue this November are in moderate districts where histrionics won’t carry the day.
During the recent legislative session, some Republicans ignored Rove’s approach. During one heated exchange, Rep. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, asked: “Now are we going to be a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants under the age of 18? We have a huge gang problem in the state of Colorado with people from Mexico coming up here … .”
Rep. Matt Knoedler, R-Lakewood, said public services available to illegals were tantamount to posting a sign that said: “Come to Colorado. We have free soup.”
Rep. Debbie Stafford, R-Aurora, didn’t want to exempt children from the services ban. “We’re helping create the next generation of terrorists,” she said. Roofers, perhaps, or chemical engineers – but terrorists?
Some Republicans, dissatisfied with the session’s outcome, turned on their own.
Rep. Al White, R-Winter Park, castigated Gov. Owens for meeting with business leaders, and called the special session “bull.” Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock, took after Owens for saying some GOP legislators kept changing their positions. “The governor is lying when he says that,” Wiens said.
Such extreme and discordant remarks would make Rove and other “comprehensive solution” advocates cringe. At The Post, Rove talked about how family-oriented Hispanics with strong religious beliefs are a “natural constituency” for Republicans and that the GOP would be the “stupid party” if it was to disrespect this important group.
The task in Washington for President Bush is the same as for Gov. Owens in Denver: to rein in GOP radicals who would use immigrants and their employers as cannon fodder in the November elections.
The comprehensive, compassionate approach is a wise political strategy for Republicans and Democrats alike. It’s also the right thing to do, and we welcome Bush and Owens’ leadership on the matter.
