Mitchell: Hayworth's immigration proposals are "angry rhetoric"

In a statement released this past week by the Harry Mitchell campaign, Mitchell says Hayworth's "angry rhetoric" on immigration is obstructing constructive, comprehensive solutions. The statement also notes how even key members of Hayworth's own party are disagreeing with his enforcement-heavy approach.

The release is repeated here in full:

HAYWORTH’S ENFORCEMENT-ONLY PLAN LOSES STEAM AS PRESIDENT PREPARES TO VISIT ARIZONA

TEMPE – Dealing U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth’s (R-Ariz.) enforcement-only approach to immigration reform a serious blow, President George W. Bush put forth a border plan this week echoing the one put forward by Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D-Ariz.) four months ago.

[See: “Napolitano gets political boost in election year,” link]

“We absolutely need to secure the border,” said U.S. Congressional Candidate Harry Mitchell. “But that’s just the beginning of the solution. We also need comprehensive immigration reform.”

In his Oval Office address on Monday, and in subsequent remarks, the President made clear he would not support an enforcement-only approach, favoring instead, a temporary guest worker program. Hayworth strongly opposes a temporary worker program, and in his book on immigration, “Whatever It Takes,” Hayworth titled one chapter “Guest Worker=Amnesty=Surrender.”

“J.D. Hayworth likes to go around on talk shows and yell about immigration, but he hasn’t produced any results. Arizonans need serious, realistic immigration reform, not more angry rhetoric,” said Mitchell. “There’s an old saying, if you’re not part of solution, you’re part of the problem. Well, the problem’s gotten worse on Hayworth’s watch.”

In calling for a temporary worker program, the President joined U.S. Sens. John McCain (R- Ariz.) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), as well as U.S. Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.), all of whom have all called for some form of a temporary guest worker program. [See: link]

The Arizona Republic describes Hayworth's approach to immigration as “unrealistic,” and a “distraction from the realistic approaches currently awaiting action in Congress.”

[“Wrong Dosage; Our Stand: Hayworth Immigration Bill Lacks Reality, Humanity,” Arizona Republic, Oct. 5, 2005]