In S.C. (republican) primary, support for immigration law could be a delicate choice

[pampango]

http://washingtonindependent.com/113353/in-s-c-primary-support-for-immigration-law-could-be-a-delicate-choice

Of the states which have passed immigration laws modeled after Arizona’s S.B. 1070, South Carolina is the most important in the GOP presidential primary season. The “first in the South” primary is considered by many observers to be the decisive testing ground for the Republican Party presidential candidates, as it has chosen the winning candidate in every election since 1980.

...the Arizona law is very popular among GOP base voters, somewhere in the 70s is the usual support number.”

Because of the South Carolina primary’s importance, GOP candidates in the primary could be forced to embrace South Carolina’s new law, but may come to regret it in the general election. Gloria Montaño Green, from the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), says that Arizona-style laws are causing increased Latino politico mobilization. She says Latinos are going to be watching “those who pass, and those who stand up to fight against these laws.”

Unfortunately for candidates looking to avoid the immigration issue in South Carolina, many prominent GOP leaders who have significant influence over who wins the primary have made passing immigration enforcement laws their signature issues. Most importantly, tea party favorite Sen. Jim DeMint: “An endorsement by Lindsey Graham or Nikki Haley pales in comparison to good words from DeMint,” says Woodard (who co-authored a book with DeMint).

There’s also South Carolina’s four Republican freshman U.S. House members, all staunch conservatives and self-identified tea party members: Representatives Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, Mick Mulvaney and Tim Scott. These four “have worked in unison on legislation, and their endorsement in the primary might be very significant,” says Woodard. All four freshmen expressed very strong support for an Arizona-style law before it was passed in South Carolina.