NRSC

Does Liberal Trial Lawyer Jack Conway Agree With President Obama On Arizona Immigration Law Ruling?

As the State of Arizona appeals the decision of an activist judge to side with the Obama Administration against a law designed to empower the state’s law enforcement agencies to protect the border, liberal trial lawyer Jack Conway (D-KY) has remained silent on whether he agrees with the ruling.

As the Associated Press reports:

Arizona is the nation's epicenter of illegal immigration, with more than 400,000 undocumented residents. The state's border with Mexico is awash with smugglers and drugs that funnel narcotics and immigrants throughout the U.S., and supporters of the new law say the influx of illegal migrants drains vast sums of money from hospitals, education and other services.

Thus far, Conway has failed to explain where he stands on the ruling, which directly affects the safety and economic well-being of millions of Americans.

“While an activist judge puts our nation’s border security at risk, it’s time for liberal trial lawyer Jack Conway to tell Kentuckians whether he stands with the Obama Administration or with the American people,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Press Secretary Amber Marchand. “Does Conway agree that Americans have a right to protect our borders, or does he believe that we should ignore the laws and welfare of American citizens?”

Background Information:

Conway Claimed He Had “Real Concerns” About Arizona’s Immigration Law. “Fielding a question about immigration, Conway said he has ‘real concerns’ about Arizona’s new immigration enforcement law. He said a patchwork of state immigration laws is an unworkable system. The Arizona law makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally and directs local police to question individuals about their immigration status and demand documentation if they suspect a person is in the country illegally. Conway said he would support an immigration bill that is tough, fair and ‘makes sense.’” (The Associated Press, “Democratic Senate Hopefuls Square Off In Debate,” Bruce Schreiner, May 6, 2010)

However, Conway’s Campaign Recognized That The Federal Government Has “Shirked Its Responsibilities” And Would Work For Stronger Border Protection, Sending Criminals To Their Home Countries, And Putting Immigrants On A Path To Becoming Taxpaying Citizens. “Haley said Conway has helped fight illegal immigration as Kentucky’s attorney general, and that Conway recognizes that the federal government ‘has shirked its responsibilities’ in dealing with the issue. ‘As Kentucky’s next senator, Jack will work for stronger border protection, sending criminals back to their home countries and putting immigrants on a path to becoming taxpaying citizens,’ Haley said. ‘For those that are here illegally, they should go to the back of the line.’” (Roger Alford, “Ky. GOP Senate Candidate Now OK With Border Fence,” The Associated Press, July 6, 2010)

“[C]onway Says Immigration Is A Federal Responsibility And Congress Must Address It. ‘If our local and state officers are going to enforce federal immigration laws, then there needs to be a corresponding commitment from the federal government to fund this effort,’ Riddle said. Conway, in an interview, noted that some in law enforcement are worried about being accused of racial profiling. He thinks the state should crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants.” (Brandon Ortiz, “Candidates Vie To Sound Toughest On Immigration,” The Lexington [KY] Herald-Leader, 11/4/07)