So, how is the GOP's "immigration crisis" playing out in Iowa?

[Hobarticus]

Debi posted an interesting point, that the Dems aren't even touching it, instead focusing on energy, ethics, and the like, while the GOP's damn near screeching that we're running out of food, there's so many dad-gummed im'grants.

Almost every ad I've seen for the GOP features some candidate strolling wistfully along the Rio Grande, suddenly concerned about our border security five years after 9/11. Meanwhile, the Dems are talking about day-to-day issues that affect everybody, that the GOP in turn won't go near.

What's everybody hearing? Is the GOP strategy working, or are people seeing it for the election-year Rovian ploy that it is? What's your gut?

Please note, I'm not saying that there's not a problem with illegal immigration, I'm just noticing a trend and I'm curious.

[IA_Seth]

1. Sadly...

The perceived immigration issue has been getting some play in the old "water cooler talk" here at work. I of course quickly shift the conversation to the nitty-gritty issues of the day, but I think the media's attention on the minutemen, and now the nonstop chatter of immigration coming from the right is gaining ground.

Not to mention the other day we had the cambridge apartments raided here in Cedar Rapids by swat, feds, and some INS folks (I heard there were 30-40 of em!) to arrest 5 illegals that had been living there. Little do they know that there are a hell of a lot more than 5 living within about a half mile of there...but that is another story. Add to that that there is increased talk of MS13 moving in on Cedar Rapids and now an email floating out there today about some kid supposedly almost getting jumped by some "tatooed latinos" and immigration talk is all the rage.

It's all an excuse for racism to me. Yes, I understand that illegal immigration is AN issue, but it certainly isn't THE issue, and more often than not it's picked up and propogated by racist repubs, in my opinion.

[Debi]

2. It's the 'shark attacks' of the 2006 campaign

Or the gay marriage on the ballot issue. I

t is being used to energize or (incite rage in) the VERY conservative base so they remember to vote (and vote for the most conservative candidate). What will come of it in January 2007? Probably nothing.

But let's try to remember something here - Ilian Gonzalas. The young Cuban boy who's mother died trying to bring him to America - I'm sure I don't have to repeat the whole saga here. The US Congress was going to grant Citizenship to this young boy - an illegal alien - rather than send him back to Cuba where his father was waiting for him. Granted had there been 11 million young boys from Cuba maybe Congress wouldn't have jumped at the chance to help keep them here. But they were going to help him. Why?

[CornField]

3. The 'morning enlightenment club' is pissed off

There's an ad out there from one of the potential GOP congressmen in the 1st District that's been playing locally. The whole darn thing is about immigration and I don't think it was even shot here in Iowa. In any event, the folks at the donut shop were hoopin' and hollerin' over that one.

"What are they proposing?"
"Ain't it obvious?"
"Yeah -- they want us to build a wall by the Mighty Miss to keep those Chicago gangs from crossing over into Iowa."
"You know them damn boys are just coming over here taking all our jobs -- when they aren't selling dope in Sokohl (sp?) Park."

At which point they all busted a gut laughing.

So, from what I've heard, the immigrant debate isn't getting much positive attention.

[Debi]

5. That's Brian Kennedy - one of the republicans in the 1st District Primary

http://www.briankennedy.com/

:eyes:

[walk softly]

4. Geo Lakoff and Rockridge

are with Debi on this one. GOP using this as one of those wedge issues they like to play to take attention off day-to-day issues. Read the article at www.rockridgeinstitute.org

[Counciltucky]

6. Steve King...

It's only a matter of time before Steve King makes an ad claiming that all Mexicans are bad people and are only around to bring drugs and homosexuality and abortions to Iowa.