Candidate kicks off governor run by criticizing Napolitano's leadership

[brooklynite]

Scottsdale businessman and political upstart Mike Harris kicked off his bid for governor Wednesday by blaming a variety of Arizona's problems on undocumented immigrants and on Gov. Janet Napolitano's leadership.

Harris said undocumented immigrants are at the root of Arizona's poorly performing schools, high dropout rates, low wages and rising health care costs. The 51-year-old Harris entered the race in January but made his official bid before supporters at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix.

"I'm running because border security and illegal immigration have not been effectively, key word effectively, addressed by our current governor," said Harris, an investment banker.
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Napolitano has been in a struggle with Republican legislators who want to station National Guard troops at the border to help combat illegal immigration. Napolitano has said she supports the idea but vetoed a recent bill granting $10 million for the job because it would remove her authority as governor to command the Guard in border-related emergencies.

Harris said if he is elected, he will end the wrangling by putting the Guard on the border immediately.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/topstories/articles/0316harris0316.html

[NMDemDist2]

1. Janet's numbers are great. this is BS of the finest Repuke stink

this article rebuts his entire argument

what a moran

Ariz. Governor Orders Troops to Border
Mar 08 7:41 PM US/Eastern
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By JACQUES BILLEAUD
Associated Press Writer

PHOENIX

Gov. Janet Napolitano on Wednesday ordered more National Guardsmen posted at the Mexican border to help stop illegal immigrants and curb related crimes.

National Guard troops have worked at the border since 1988, but Napolitano signed an order authorizing commanders to station an unspecified number of additional soldiers there to help federal agents.

Once the funding is approved, the troops will monitor crossing points, assist with cargo inspection and operate surveillance cameras, according to the order.

"They are not there to militarize the border," the governor said. "We are not at war with Mexico."

About 170 National Guardsmen are already posted at the nation's busiest illegal entry point, where they assist with communications, fence construction and anti-drug efforts.

Napolitano did not say how many additional troops would be stationed at the border and referred questions to the National Guard, which did not immediately return a call.

The Democratic governor proposed sending troops to the border more than two months ago. Her critics in the Republican-led Legislature then introduced a bill requiring her to do so and providing $10 million for the project.

The bill won final approval Wednesday in the House and was headed to the governor, but she promised to veto the measure, saying it infringes on her constitutional powers as commander in chief of the Arizona National Guard.

Napolitano has asked the military to pay for her plan, but said she would commit state dollars if necessary.

The governor declared an immigration emergency last summer in Arizona's four border counties, citing security shortcomings by the federal government.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/03/08/D8G7NJE80.html

[Sal316]

2. The GOP controlled the state for 12 years.

...and they still control the leg. The way I see it, this is just noise to rouse the rabble. If their record on immigration, education, etc. were to be exposed, a GOP majority would be less likely.

I know they'll vote for a ham sammich with an (R) next to it's name here, so one can hope.