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Aug. 22, 2008
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JOHN L. SMITH: Illegal immigration out of sight, not out of mind of Nevada voters

JOHN L. SMITH
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Illegal immigration might have become a back-burner issue to some politicians, but a new poll shows the issue remains a hot topic with Southern Nevada voters.

A survey by Marvin Longabaugh of Magellan Research leaves little doubt where local voters stand: 79.2 percent of those recently polled believe illegal immigration is a "major problem." Just 16.2 percent call it a "minor problem." Along political lines, 87.8 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Democrats surveyed said they believed it was a major problem.

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    • Back in April 2006, a Glen Bolger poll indicated that 62 percent of Nevadans were "very concerned" with the issue. It's easy to speculate that the rise in the poll is related to the worsening economy and the tightening job market.

    Those surveyed substantially favored building a 700-mile fence along the Mexico-U.S. border to help keep illegal aliens out, 62.2 percent to 31.7 percent.

    One area that might surprise even those who favor getting tough on immigration issues is the subject of recognizing English as our national language. It's not even close: 89.9 percent of voters favor making it official. Just 7.6 percent don't think it's necessary.

    Despite the apparent hard line, a majority of voters surveyed also endorse having illegals register with the government and start along a pathway to citizenship. In fact, 68 percent of those polled believe it's a good idea with 24.6 percent disagreeing.

    The immigration questions were part of a much larger poll conducted by Magellan on behalf of the Police Protective Association.

    The question is, will some politicians attempt to take advantage of that strong sentiment among voters in an election year that finds both major presidential candidates with measured approaches to the subject?

    RAISING McCAIN: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is known as a man who measures his words carefully, but on Wednesday at the Review-Journal, the former boxer pummeled GOP presidential hopeful and fellow Senate member John McCain like an old heavy bag.

    Speaking in a room crowded with reporters, Reid let fly.

    "Let me just briefly get this out of the way," Reid said. "I've served with John McCain 26 years. We came to Washington together. We went to the Senate in '86 at the same time. I think I have the credentials to talk about somebody I've served with on a very close, personal basis for 26 years. And I don't know how else to say it, but he does not have the right temperament to be president. He's wrong on the war. He's wrong on the economy. He's wrong on Yucca Mountain. He's wrong on trying to take away our race and sports books. I don't want you to just take my word for this because a lot of people say, 'That's how you feel, you're prejudiced.' "

    Reid then removed a slip of paper from his wallet with a quote from Republican Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi. Cochran was elected to the Senate in 1978.

    Reid read, "'The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper, and he worries me.' ... Even though other Republican senators aren't as courageous as Cochran, they all feel that way. I repeat, he doesn't have the temperament to be president."

    Reid neglected to mention that Cochran endorsed McCain earlier this year.

    $1 MILLION MAN: Three cheers for casino man Terry Caudill for bringing back the $1 million display to Binion's. In the new version, the cash will be stacked on a poker table.

    In Benny Binion's original, the $1 million was displayed inside a horseshoe and provided a photo opportunity for generations of downtown visitors.

    The $1 million horseshoe was a hall-of-fame come-on.

    NICE BIRDS: Those who define "natural beauty" in Southern Nevada as an exotic dancer who hasn't had breast implants will be surprised to learn about the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary at 8103 Racel St. in the northwest end of the valley. It's filled with wildlife suitable for the whole family and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

    ON THE BOULEVARD: A local tells the recent story of the Spanish Trail resident who lost her dog; after growing impatient with the search, she took out across the development's golf course in search of her pet -- from behind the wheel of a Hummer.

    Those divots might be hard to replace.

    Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.

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    Terri wrote on August 23, 2008 08:34 AM: http://www.betterimmigration.com/candidates/2006/prez2008.html

    Check to see where your Presidential Candidate stands on immigration ~ by Numbers USA


    Terri wrote on August 23, 2008 07:20 AM: I would guess the reason Doug Gillespie can't enforce the federal immigration laws is because Las Vegas is an "unofficial sanctuary city" for illegals. It is written in their policy that officers are NOT ALLOWED to question immigration status. It's been this way long before Doug Gillespie.

    Mayor Goodman has no desire to change the status. I've written him many times. I constantly write the Governor, Reid, Ensign and my state senator. They all say the same thing .. "there's nothing we can do."
    That is hogwash,
    Arizona, Rhode Island and Oklahoma are enforcing immigration laws.

    Our politicians are beholden to special interest groups.


    mauna loa wrote on August 23, 2008 01:55 AM: The County voted for a sheriff WHO will not enforce certain federal laws. The Illegal aliens in this town are pathetic. All anyone cares about his how low their home is going to cost them, or how much the builder is going to make. The Sheriff has it's officrs enforcing the seatbelts laws..even making commercials about it. what? All it does is make the bottom line for the budget. How in the world can an officer write a seatbelt ticket to a person driving a Hummer, and not give a ticket to a motorcycle rider for no helmet. Unreal, all because those riders have the Huevos to circle the state capital 10 or 20k strong... in protest. Pathetic. when the avg person is paying 58% or more in taxs he might his evil ways...it's coming.


    Terri wrote on August 22, 2008 02:38 PM: Harry Reid is an embarrassment to our State!

    Illegal immigration is a huge problem..

    illegals are draining our dwindling resourses.... draining our hospitals..
    our school systems.
    They are sucking the life out of this country.

    90% of the traffic violators in the North Las Vegas traffic court are illegal aliens...
    and they DO NOT DRIVE WITH CAR INSURANCE.

    They come over the border and have their babies for free (we pay for it).

    We need politicians with a back bone and put us tax paying Americans first!!!!


    Stuby wrote on August 22, 2008 01:31 PM: It is clear that an open border, North American Union of sorts, is the agenda for the ultra wealthy, influential ruling class in this country. Most of these people are unknown to the populace, and pull invisible strings that stretch far beyond general politics and voting.

    Multiculturalism is the goal regardless that the American citizenry consider illegal immigration, cultural deterioration, multilingualism, sanctuary cities, lacking law enforcement, and refusal to build the wall, urgent, must-solve issues. The candidates are going to ignore this issue completely.

    A massive movement involving millions of American Citizens must begin with a strong leader to direct full impact. Waiting much longer will end in the demise of the United States of America as we know it today. Even Obama had the nerve to suggest that Americans learn Spanish. How dare he. Shouldn't aliens with the intent to become citizens of this country learn English? How arrogant of Obama and I believe that while McCain hasn't voiced the same opinion, he feels this way also. How disgusting. It seems clear the American citizenry mean nothing in the scheme of things except as tax generators.


    Huh? wrote on August 22, 2008 09:52 AM: Oh, yeah, maybe you're right...he hired somebody to deliver his book. Maybe it was that illegal kid Tommy from Searchlight. LOL!!!


    Huh? wrote on August 22, 2008 09:51 AM: "He's delivered the goods, which is his job."

    HUH???

    Just what has he delivered? All that special interest pork for education, roads, infrastructure, "green" stuff, sustainability, sensible energy policy??? WTF are you talking about? LOL!


    Jim Nance wrote on August 22, 2008 09:48 AM: I only hope Reid goes around the country and keep saying that he hates McCain.

    That should wake up any conservative that is not supporting McCain.


    Tom, Burbank wrote on August 22, 2008 08:48 AM: DId the survey ask a flat Yes or No question: Do you favor amnesty for illegal aliens? Probably not. The questions and answers in surveys regarding a "path to citizenship" are usually skewed to elicit a favorable response. Until John prints those questions and the answer options, we'll never know.


    Roger wrote on August 22, 2008 08:42 AM: Most of the conservative politicians who stand on their immigration soap box usually are the ones who hired a maid or landscaper who is illegal...


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