IMMIGRANT REFORMERS WIN OFFICE! Fight To Win Our Country Back

True Immigration Reformers Win Statewide Elections in Virginia
On Tuesday, November 3, a group of three true immigration reformers won statewide races for public office in the state of Virginia. While immigration was not a major factor in any of these races, the three candidates who won on Tuesday have staked out pro-enforcement positions on several immigration-related issues.

Former State Attorney General Bob McDonnell beat State Senator Creigh Deeds to become the commonwealth’s next governor. In a September 4 interview with the Washington Examiner, McDonnell indicated that he supported 287(g) – the federal program that allows federal officials to train state and local law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of federal immigration law. McDonnell indicated that he supported expanding the program statewide: “I have urged [current] Governor Kaine for one and a half years to enter into [the] partnership. It would be a proper and limited tool to help us enforce the law.” On the other hand, McDonnell’s opponent (Deeds) indicated that he would oppose a statewide expansion of 287(g). (Washington Examiner, September 4, 2009).

In addition to McDonnell, two other pro-enforcement candidates won statewide elections in Virginia. Bill Bolling was re-elected as the state’s Lieutenant Governor. In a July 2007 op-ed published in the Richmond-Times Dispatch, Bolling expressed opposition to amnesty and benefits for illegal aliens, and support for immigration enforcement measures, including enhanced border security and the 287(g) program. (Richmond-Times Dispatch, July 8, 2007). In addition to Bolling, pro-enforcement candidate Ken Cuccinelli was elected to serve as Virginia’s next Attorney General. Cuccinelli has said that he is “committed to passing legislation that removes the economic incentives that encourage illegal immigration.” In addition, Cuccinelli has opposed in-state tuition for illegal aliens, and supports requiring state contractors to use E-Verify, the online, electronically operated system that allows employers to quickly and easily ensure that their new hires are legally authorized to work and not illegal aliens. (See Cuccinelli’s Immigration