SB1070 Update: SB1070? LaLaLaLa, I can’t hear you!

by David Safier

Six Republican legislators went to Cochise County on a "border fact-finding mission."

But during a town hall, there was one fact they didn't want to deal with: SB1070.

[T]here was one thing the state senators and representatives would not talk about — the bill recently signed by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer allowing law enforcement officers to ask a person suspected of a crime about their citizenship.

Rep. Jerry Weiers, chairman of the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee made it clear — three times — to more than 120 people attending the town hall: The bill, which becomes law near the end of July, would not be discussed.

And, he warned the audience, if any one got out of hand they would get a one-time warning, then they would be asked to leave the meeting and if they refused they would be arrested.

The S. AZ legislators participating were David Stevens (LD25), David Gowan (LD30) and Frank Antenori (LD30). The others were Jerry Weiers, Carl Seel and Linda Gray.

Stevens said the fact-finding mission "opened up our eyes." And Seel said the issue is bigger than he thought.

But Antenori wins the award for howler of the day. A Bisbee resident said the border issue “is being used as a fear factor.” Antenori denied it by saying how afraid we all should be.

Antenori denied fear was being used to address border issues because the state has a mission and it is to protect Arizonans from people who prey on them.

Congrats, Frank, you've almost raised lowered yourself to Rudy Giuliani levels.