Texas : Rick Perry’s immigration proposals will give him short-term political gain in the GOP primaries but could turn into a long-term liability if he advances to the general election. It creates something for Democrats to mobilize Hispanic voters around

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There has been very strong opposition from Texas Police officers and Police Departments against Perry's Anti-Immigrant Legislation :


Houston Chronicle -
Perry Watch: Governor’s support for ‘sanctuary cities’ bill holds political risks -
by Jeanna Smialek -
June 12, 2011 -


Perry Watch: Governor’s support for ‘sanctuary cities’ bill holds political risks


Some excerpts :

Perry’s immigration proposals are not nearly as tough as measures enacted in Arizona and Alabama, but Jones said Perry’s short-term political gain in the GOP primaries could turn into a long-term liability if he advances to the general election.

Gov. Rick Perry has made so-called "sanctuary cities" legislation a priority, despite criticism from Democrats and Hispanic voters.

“It creates something for Democrats to mobilize Hispanic voters around,” he said.

In Texas, turnout among Latino voters has been historically much lower than in other heavily-Hispanic states such as California, Florida and New Mexico. So while “sanctuary cities” legislation poses a minimal political risk in Texas, it could cause Perry more trouble in swing states such as Florida and New Mexico.

Texas Democratic Party Spokesperson Anthony Gutierrez called Perry’s support for the legislation a “transparent” attempt to appeal to right-wing voters.

He said the legislation will burden local law enforcement by asking local officers to enforce federal laws and said the Republican Party has failed to identify sanctuary cities in Texas.

“I think voters, and particularly Hispanic voters, are going to see through this as the political play that it is,” Gutierrez added.

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