With (architect of Arizona’s immigration law) Pearce Out, Where Does The Immigration Debate Go?

[pampango]

The architect of Arizona’s controversial immigration law is out. So what does it mean to immigration reform and the conservative movement? Some say it could refocus the immigration debate. Conservatives answer there are many ready to carry on the cause.

Pearce has advocated anti illegal immigration policies for several years, but he is best known for SB 1070. The fury of publicity surrounding it elevated Pearce to national stardom when Arizona’s governor signed it into law last year. The senator became a role model for Tea Party conservatives and a frequent guest on national cable talk shows.

Todd Landfried is with Arizona Employers for Immigration Reform. He said Pearce’s departure can have a major impact on immigration policy if people realize the debate doesn’t have to be so polarizing. “I think it could have a dramatic game changing impact,” Landfried said. “If those people can stand up and the business community can stand up and say: ‘We just saw that it was safe to talk about immigration on a more holistic level.’”

In other words, an immigration debate focused on constructive solutions instead of divisive rhetoric. But, Landfried says Pearce’s defeat is significant in another way: The Senate President is a Tea Party favorite. “I think it’s a real threat to the Tea Party,” he said. “That says something about how people are starting to perceive the influence, or over influence or too large of focus on the Tea Party as a political philosophy. I think it’s wearing thin.”

http://www.fronterasdesk.org/news/2011/nov/09/reform-enforcement-border-tea-party-Arizona/