Sign in Subscribe
Political parties

Arizona's Immigration Law Sparks Senate Primary Debate

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Incumbent Sen. John McCain and his challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, are locked in a fierce battle over Arizona's new tough immigration law, which has deeply divided the state and sparked a heated debate in the Republican Senate primary. The law, signed by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday, makes it a state offense to be in the U.S. without authorization, and has been met with criticism from President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon. Mr. McCain has defended the state for acting, while Mr. Hayworth has accused him of changing positions on immigration and not doing enough to secure the border.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new immigration law in Arizona makes it a state offense to be in the U.S. without authorization, and has been considered the toughest immigration statute in the country.
  • Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth has accused incumbent Sen. John McCain of "flip-flopping" on immigration, pointing to his support for deploying 3,000 National Guard troops to the border and a proposal he made in 2005 for a law that included that provision.
  • Sen. McCain has defended the state's decision to pass the law, saying that the federal government has "not taken care of its responsibilities" in securing the border.
  • Recent polls show Mr. Hayworth narrowing the gap with Mr. McCain in the GOP primary, with a Rasmussen poll showing Mr. McCain's support at 47 percent and Mr. Hayworth's at 42 percent.
  • Protests have been held in Arizona and across the country, with some calling on President Obama to step in and try to block the law, which takes effect in July.
  • Sen. McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl have called for 3,000 troops from the National Guard to be deployed to the border and for the Justice Department to start jailing illegal immigrants they catch.
  • Gov. Brewer has sought new training and clear guidelines for police to prevent profiling under the new law.

Statistics:

  • 47%: Sen. McCain's support in the GOP primary, according to a Rasmussen poll released on April 16.
  • 42%: Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth's support in the GOP primary, according to a Rasmussen poll released on April 16.
  • 22%: Sen. McCain's lead in the January Rasmussen poll.
  • 10s of thousands: Deaths blamed on Mexican drug cartels just south of the Arizona border.
  • 1: Rancher killed in the United States last month, cited by Sen. McCain as evidence of the need for extra steps to secure the border.

Sources:

  • The Washington Times' America's Morning News radio show
  • Rasmussen poll released on April 16
  • Associated Press report on vandalism at the Arizona state Capitol
  • Article by Desikan Thirunarayanapuram and Stephen Dinan, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Read more