Without a single voted counted yet in Tuesday's recall election of state Senate President Russell Pearce, political observers say the historic race is impacting Arizona's political landscape.
The virtual tie in polls between Pearce and fellow Republican Jerry Lewis reveals how much voters have turned on the politician who sponsored popular illegal immigration law SB 1070.
Many voters have come to see Pearce as a symbol of politicians who fight each other at the expense of championing issues more important to their daily lives, said David Berman, a senior research fellow at Arizona State University. Others have been turned off by the campaign and a suspected sham candidate believed to help Pearce, he said.
The election is the first time in Arizona's 99 years that a legislator has been recalled.
"The fact that this is so close is significant because it does send a warning shot to other people in power as to what might happen to them," Berman said. "This is a weapon that's sort of been silent. Nobody's ever thought of it much. Now people have said this is something we can do."
Lewis was leading Pearce by 46 percent to 43 percent, according to a Nov. 1 poll commissioned by The Arizona Capitol Times and ABC 15 (KNXV-TV). That's within the margin of error.
The tightness shows voter frustration with the extreme wings of both parties, said Earl de Berge, a pollster with the Phoenix-based Behavior Research Center. De Berge said the recent polls changed his belief that Pearce is invincible because of his incumbency and the Republican-leaning base of legislative District 18.
"If he loses, it will be a sea change in the state. It should embolden moderates and liberals to get more active," de Berge said. "This is a test of whether or not at the grass roots level people can overcome the old-time machinery."
Of the district's 70,835 voters, 37 percent are registered Republicans and 26 percent are Democrats.
Lewis was 5 or 6 points ahead in a poll conducted a month ago by Tucson-based pollster Margaret Kenski. About 22 percent were undecided, Kenski said.
Pearce has made the recall about his signature issue of illegal immigration. But Kenski said the election is about different things to different people.
Her recent polls have found that voters are more concerned about the economy, jobs and education. Those issues have edged out illegal immigration as the former top issue, Kenski said.
Even when looking at illegal immigration, polls have found voters aren't as strident as Pearce, she said. They almost all want a secure border but there's more acceptance for guest workers, the notion that Americans won't do some jobs and some version of the Dream Act.
For some voters, it's about the perceived focus of Pearce and the Legislature.
"A lot of it has to do with style and balance and trying to get things done," Kenski said. "I look at the national data and I look at state data and people want to see problems solved and I think they're kind of tired with a lot of the intense partisan bickering in politics and with the parties."
Pearce still has the advantage because virtually all GOP politicians in the state have backed him and he's raised more than three times his opponent, Berman said.
"If he screws up, it's his own fault because he has all those things going for him," he said.
He believes Pearce lost some support by labeling critics "far left anarchists" and with the brief candidacy of Olivia Cortes, who did virtually no campaigning and did not know who posted signs on her behalf. She was backed by Pearce's relatives and a tea party activist who previously supported Pearce, raising allegations she was placed on the ballot to split the votes.
"They were doing what they thought politicians do, what comes naturally," Berman said. "They probably were a little surprised at how the people reacted to it."
Political observers said a Lewis victory could make recalls more common. Voters could use it to fight politicians embroiled in scandals or those who have strayed too far, they said. And in the state's numerous legislative districts dominated by one party, the minority party might put up stronger campaigns instead of figuring a dominant party is unbeatable, de Berge said.
"The majority of voters in this state are either moderate or leading to soft conservativism rather than being hardcore right-wing, as Pearce is," de Berge said. "If somebody in Pearce's district can be really, seriously challenged by this, they have to ask, ‘What kind of politics do we really want here and is that reflected at the Legislature?' It also casts light on whether the fear of running in these districts might be overcome by the strength of organization."
• Contact writer: (480) 898-6548 or ggroff@evtrib.com
concernedcitizen posted at 10:58 pm on Mon, Nov 7, 2011.
Thank you for the links and posts. My original gut feeling was to vote for Lewis and get Pearce out of office, then with reading other things I was convinced that Pearce is the better candidate.
However, I now believe (again) that Lewis is a better candidate. We need someone who actually supports education (not education "choice" for the elite citizens who want to "separate" their children from the rest of the world.)
We need someone who doesn't increase funding to ANY agency in the time of a recession (e.g. the extra $10 million to go to building private prisons, THAT helps his business buddies, doesn't it?) While at the same time cutting education funding approximately the same amount that the 1 cent sales tax is providing, thus ensuring educators don't storm the capital anytime soon because they didn't "lose much" this year.
Get Pearce out of there and Lewis in!
Masterrogue666 posted at 12:48 pm on Mon, Nov 7, 2011.
To bobunf: You must be referring to DIRECT donations. Because, it's a well know FACT that Lewis is receiving INDIRECT support as well.
For instance, Lewis reported he received $68,837 in DIRECT contributions. However, Citizens for a Better Arizona (which ORGANIZED the recall) spent $141,024 INDEPENDENTLY. I'm sure if anyone wants to "dig" further, that it would be easy to find out that "Move.On.org, SEIU, Soros, La Raza" have also provided INDIRECT ASSISTANCE.
Brittanicus posted at 11:53 am on Mon, Nov 7, 2011.
Illegal Immigration, Voter fraud and E-Verify.
Georgia's Secretary of State’s office is obligated to administer elections and investigate allegations of voter fraud. Brian P. Kemp, who is Georgia Secretary of State, said that Georgia’s elections are among the most secure in the nation, and we take every measure possible to guarantee the integrity, security, and fairness of our elections process. Election and voter fraud undermines the very foundations of our great state and country, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Then in the Liberal Progressive window or a leftist Democrat Congressman called Keith Ellison from Minnesota’s wants to impose on his state a slack election system and also on the rest of this sovereign nation. This moron has introduced two bills to impose the worst two aspects of Minnesota’s system on the entire country. This arrangement undermines election integrity and trust we used to share as citizens.
This Democrats “Same Day Registration Act” H.R. 3316 and its attendant H.R. 3317 would involve all states to allow unconfirmed voters to register and vote on Election Day. This would be outrageous enough and is mild compared to being infuriated by the second bill, namely “Voter Access Protection Act,” which would forbid states from requiring voters to show photo ID. Perhaps 25 years ago—but not anymore, when we have notorious groups like Acorn, caught using low-life’s collecting hundreds of thousands of registrations, which should have been flushed down the toilet. Democrats are out to win the presidential race, in any way they can—and have, as ACORN was prosecuted by numerous state attorneys for fraudulent voter registrations. Its federal funding dropped a supposedly dismantled, but however it has resurfaced in New York under a new name. To me and I’m sure to tens of millions of TEA PARTY members this is beyond incredulous, that any politician would try to destroy what little is left of our freedoms. Under no restraint H.R. 3316, in expelling all photo identification necessities, and H.R. 3317, that would allow people to walk into a polling station, register and vote straight away in all 50 states. GOD HELP US!
Rep. Ellison states his proposals are needed to “curb voter suppression” and shield the rights of young, elderly and minority voters, except photo ID laws in 14 other states have been challenged in America and state Supreme Courts and plaintiffs have no evidence that a single voter would be disenfranchised by those laws. Perhaps Mr. Ellison should investigate the growing trend of illegal aliens or even permanent residence, either by being misled by registration canvassers or using ‘The Motor Voter’ bill to vote. This is extremely dangerous in very close races and has been prevalent in many states throughout the nation. Hopefully the citizens of Vermont see through this reckless law, and drive this unpatriotic fool from Montpelier.
The state of Georgia maintains a website for US citizens or any individual to inform the Secretary of State of violations in their voting law. In fact every American state should provide a website to report this serious wrongdoing, as it is undermining the basic foundation of citizen’s right to vote. This is not just a threat within a the polling stations, but where anybody could walk in and profess to be a citizen, Under bills introduced by Rep. Ellison brought to Congress or in his own state of Vermont would have irredeemable consequence to our electoral system. , One of the easiest documents to forge—is the absentee ballot. Outside of the influence of a Secretary of State’s Elections Division is easily compromised.
We already have almost indescribable problems with the illegal aliens side-stepping our borders, or slipping through air terminals. Every American state should power their politicians to supply a law, that every American has a government photo ID to vote. In addition today when our country is carrying a near 15 Trillion deficit, we need to start repatriating all illegal foreign nationals. When our elderly cannot find a seat in a clogged emergency room, as the hospital has become overpopulated with illegal parents and their children. That these impoverished people have no conception of the cost for a minor infection, an Aspirin or major treatment. That these are unfunded mandates, which include the education of their many children, is carried by the US taxpayers.
Overcrowded public school classroom, congested hospital emergency waiting rooms, is what’s seen above the surface—the massive financial costs are hidden below. Over a $113 Billion dollars is attributed to subsidizing foreign aliens, so surveyed by a Heritage foundation report.
No matter where these undocumented are from, they must go home. This is where Lamar Smiths E-VERIFY is so urgently important. The ‘LEGAL WORKFORCE ACT’ will shift the legal responsibility, over to the employer. They will be charged with insuring every worker fills in a I-9 form and identifies the recipient, who has been hired. That the business owner checks their ’Right to Work’ verification through the federal E-Verify process. Those who are ineligible can verify their lawful status, through appearing at the nearest Social Security office, to rectify any problem. Of course No Liberal associated newspaper pass this information, staying silent about any irregularities as they are determined to cripple any chance of this commonsense bill from becoming law.
Every American can do their part, to insure that ‘THE LEGAL WORKFORCE ACT’ (H.R.2885) and get to the floor of the House of Representatives. It’s the only way to get future satisfaction of saving the billions of dollars we give reluctantly, to illegal aliens. E-Verify--the bill would require 100% of businesses to begin using E-Verify for all new hires within 2 years and require all federal and state governments to check new hires and existing employees within 6 months. Although the official figures estimates there are only 11.5 million illegal aliens in the US, other reputable organizations exceeds this number by at least another 10 million. Of these 8.5 foreign nations have claimed a job unlawfully, while 22 to 24 million citizens and legally here residents are unemployed. These are non-agricultural numbers and this could be reduced by the immediate vote of ‘The legal Workforce Act.’
Unknown numbers of illegal families began departing Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, with the introduction of harsh policing laws and headed for other states with more flexible immigration laws—California and Nevada included. Sanctuary States will be overwhelmed, with economic illegal aliens, looking for free money and other easy accessed welfare benefits. Thousands of American workers are already replacing the illegal absconders, as business have no option but to look elsewhere for labor. The days of cheap illegal labor is over and so are the big profits they have for years.
There is no time to wait, as E-Verify must become mandatory, instead as it is now—voluntary. Hundreds of thousands of businesses are now hooked up to the electronic program and can now vet their workers. Businesses that are not using E-Verify needs to learn an expensive lesson of harsh fines, company profit confiscation and prison for hiring unauthorized labor.
Citizens and legal residents must challenge the Republicans dominated House and insist on E-Verify. The ‘Ways and Means Committee led by Majority Speak John Boehner (R-OH) must adopt the Mandatory E-Verify Bill (H.R. 2885.) and should be bombarded with insistent voters. Reps. Chip Cravaack (R-Minn.), Tim Johnson (R-Ill.), Reps. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) have cosponsored House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith's Legal Workforce Act (H.R.2885), with new members to sponsor in the forthcoming wings. Not sure what to do? Go to NumbersUSA web site, where you can freely fax politicians or you can also can locate them through this phone number at 202-224-312; the Congressional Switchboard.
As of last Friday, November 4, 2011 currently has 54 sponsors and 32 co-sponsors.
Our freedoms and liberty are under constant attack by the Liberals, Democrats and even hard core Republicans, so that’s why everybody is fed up with the usual trash from Washington; ‘The Quid Pro Quo’ should join the massive population of the growing TEA PARTY. We must anticipate that in the 2011 Presidential race, the impending gubernatorial and state legislative elections in Louisiana, Mississippi and West Virginia will be electing governors. . In addition, 578 state legislative seats are available, with the majority of these in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia where the fate of politicians are in the hands of voters. ILLEGAL ALIENS HAVE BEEN VOTING AND WILL IN THE FUTURE. Democrats are looking the other way, as this has been happening nationwide. We must be watchful of Congressman as Keith Ellison, who could cripple our voting system. Ellison would weaken our nation’s policies even more so, than the voting regulations are already so poorly enforced.
joelwisch2 posted at 9:04 am on Mon, Nov 7, 2011.
This is a couple of examinations of the cost of the illegal aliens in Arizona. There are more.. they basically agree, over and above their contributions as illegal aliens, these are the costs they incur.
The Costs of Illegal Immigration to Arizonans:Executive Summary
http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=iic_immigrationissuecenters5e3f
Illegal Aliens: The Health Cost Dimension
http://www.vdare.com/articles/illegal-aliens-the-health-cost-dimension
bobunf posted at 1:09 am on Mon, Nov 7, 2011.
It really too bad that the truth can't catch up the lie a bit faster. Thank you, "I Live in Mesa" for your research and insight.
Pearce seems to be reduced to smears like this one, and the "stole used clothing" nonsense.
Then there's the delusional stuff about Move.On.org, SEIU, Soros, La Raza, and others. Rather than extolling the virtues of Pearce, he attacks people and groups that, in all reality, have absolutely nothing to do with election. The three groups and individual mentioned above have donated no time and no money to Lewis or to the recall effort.
Pearce uses them like bogeymen to scare his constituents. It won't work. Throw that tired old red herring back in the water.
I live in Mesa posted at 11:16 pm on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
Read everything and then make a decision. Don't read comments or blogs and then just take them as facts. Investigate!
The Arizona Republic wrote about the settlement in July, stating that,
"Sequoia Choice Arizona charter school did not face a penalty for its role in the arrangement because while it provided teachers and courses to Joy Christian, it did not accept any money beyond its state funding, the settlement said."
Lewis is currently an assistant superintendent of Sequoia Charter Schools, of which Sequoia Choice is a part.
Read the AG's complaint for yourself.
THE LINK TO THE REAL DOCUMENT!
http://media.phoenixnewtimes.com/7360532.0.pdf
Becky Fenger first told the story in "Fenger Pointing" the article was not factual. It was republished by Rachel Alexander's Intellectual Conservative Arizona blog. It was repeated by Tea Partier Kelly Townsend at the Pearce Rally.
It has been repeated as truth by many bloggers
Fact: Lewis was never mentioned in the AG's complaint.
According to Sequoia's superintendent Ron Neil, Lewis has never been a superintendent, and did not begin working for Sequoia until November of 2007.
This article explains the half-truths and falsehoods of the information that you are repeating.
If anything, after you do your own intellectual search regarding this, you should be upset that you were not only lied to but that you then went out and repeated it.
Ref: Phoenix New Times
Stephen Lemons Oct. 17, 2011
Russell Pearce's Right-Wing Echo Chamber, and Its Latest Smear of Jerry Lewis
Arizona Republic
AG Court Document
concernedcitizen posted at 9:42 pm on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
Neither candidate is fabulous, let's get that point across. But let's also look at two numbers:
Lewis: "stole" $1,900,000 in tax payer money because of illegally enrolling extra students in his Sequoia schools. Was "forced" to resign and have the schools pay back the money, or go to jail.
Pearce: "given" around $40,000 from Fiesta Bowl as a gift (not from sacred taxpayer funds).
That example right there says a lot about the integrity of the two candidates.
Now I don't agree with a lot of what Pearce has done, but he has kept his word with his campaign promises, he (finally) completed a balanced budget, albeit on the backs of our children and schools.
Don't let SB1070 or these other issues fool you into thinking that Pearce is now wrong for the job. He may not be the best, but he is better than Lewis. I'd rather have Pearce in there right now then Lewis who attempted to steal almost $2,000,000 from the state coffers.
If Lewis attempted to steal $2,000,000 illegally from the state as a small charter school leader, what would he do once he got into the state legislature? That scares me, and it should scare all of you. Vote Pearce on Tuesday, and then next year for the regular election let's try to get some more honest people in office who represent our concerns about the economy, jobs, education, etc.
Masterrogue666 posted at 4:39 pm on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
@ DavidNichols: Interesting how you always seem to blame Pearce for things he has no control over. Now it's his fault that some 'Phoenix Local Media aired Pearce's Nazi Pal's on Publuic air waves saying: "Hitler was a great Man."' So, Pearce has the "power" to say when such programs are aired? I would think that your HATRED should be directed at the "Phoenix Local Media" station manager, et al.
The same applies to your statement directed at Chip's Mom. She was just attempting to answer a question raise by a previous poster. So, you don't like the idea of ILLEGAL ALIEN's kid being separated from their parents? Well, why don't you blame the person(s) that ARE RESPONSIBLE for that? Namely THE PARENTS!!!! They entered the country knowing FULL WELL what could/SHOULD happen. Further, the child are permitted to go with their parents and return later as citizens (although I don't see way ANYONE should be reward for ANY CRIME).
Before you loose your anger on someone, you should be sure it's justified. In your case, that's a rarity!
DavidNichols posted at 2:18 pm on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
Chips wonderful Mom, what advice would you give to the legal Citizen Children in Foster Custody, now that have had their Deported/Dumped into a known "Drug War" at the U.S. Mexico Border by the Black Masked U.S. I.C.E., and now lie dead with over forty -two thousand other Dumped "Human Beings"?
Please Chips Mom, Do Tell?
Chips Mom, Hitler should have called his Mass "Human" Killiings "Drug Related", then he could still be killing? Right Chips Mom?
To: "Humanity", and "Human Rights"!
Chip's Mom posted at 12:50 pm on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
In reply to I live in Mesa, the official LDS Church policy on immigration can be found at LDS.org in the Handbook of Instructions: "Experience has shown that those who emigrate often encounter language, cultural, and economic challenges, resulting in disappointment and personal and family difficulties. ..." " Members who emigrate to any country should comply with applicable laws.
When coming to the United States or other countries on student or tourist visas, members should not expect to find jobs or obtain permanent visas after entering that country."
DavidNichols posted at 11:41 am on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
@ AndyB.
Illegal is Illegal!
You are Correct Bubba.
Pearce , his Brother, his Two Nieces, Mrs. Cortes, the Tea Party Officials, the hundreds, possibly thousands of LDS18 Stellar Voters that knowingly engaged in a Criminal Scheme and signed the Fraudulent Mrs. Cortes Ballot Petition in the hands of the Pearce Family even after being told that this devious Criminal Scheme would help Re-Elect the Corrupt Russell Pearce, should all be charged with their Criminal Electoral Rigging/Manipulating Activity!
To True Justice for All Criminals!
Including those "Criminals" in LDS18 Posing as of all things "Saints"!
How Corrupt is LDS18?
I guess we will see if Neo-Nazi hugging Pearce is Re-elected.
Last Memorial Day Weekend, Phoenix Local Media aired Pearce's Nazi Pal's on Publuic air waves saying: "Hitler was a great Man."
Pearce must be proud of his Treasonous Pals!
Making this kind of Statements on Public T.V. on the very weekend dedicated to the memory of twenty thousad "Real Americans who sacrificed All to rid the World od Nazi's!
Pearce is No "Saint".
DavidNichols posted at 11:30 am on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
@ Carolyn
Bravo;
You show the "True Quality's " of a "Latter Day Saint".
Continue to "Choose The Right".
We are far better than Russell Pearce and his following of Supremest, even including Real Neo-Nazi's.
Diogenes Lantern posted at 9:58 am on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
The only reason Pearce is tied with Lewis is because of the devil pact between the Democrats, Move.On.org, SEIU,Tides Foundation (Soros), La Raza, AZlan and sham Republican Lewis. Even if Lewis wins, he will be a pariah in the Republican-controlled legislature.
Then the same Dems have configured the new gerrymandered maps so that Lewis runs next year against ASU's and #1 Dem, David Schipara. Lewis residence-and only Lewis of the Mesa politicians- will be in the ASU-controlled corridor of 85k students and 50k staff runnning against ASU's Schipara.
So this Recall is all about humuliating Pearce not about getting Lewis into the AZ legislature-a sham. Lewis would be a 12-month pariah and then thrown on the progressive garbage heap-used and abused.
Try getting another teaching job when fired from his first for frauding the state $1.29 million for over-stating students by 400. Second school job-disputed lawsuit over Homeless Donations. Back to being a CPA? No-even Lewis admitted at the LD 18 meeting he was fired as a CPA.
And so this is not really about getting Pearce out of the Senate. Even if Pearce loses, he will make triple the salary as a lobbyist helping write new bills. Pearce was a compromiser as President and Senator Biggs will be a much tougher , no holds barred Senate President for a year.
The Dems have already prepared Pearce's easy win next year by starting recall petitions on Pearce's only challenger next year, Rich Crandall. So in a year, the progressives help Pearce get rid of Lewis (by new maps) and recall Pearce's challenger, Crandall.
I live in Mesa posted at 12:14 am on Sun, Nov 6, 2011.
I am not mormon. My eldest son who lives in MO just recently joined the mormon church. I'm happy that he found something that he believes in and that makes him happy. My post wasn't meant to be derogatory against mormons. Reading your statement of "actual LDS doctrine and policy" - is that different than what I've read here concerning the mormon stance on immigration?
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700080758/Official-text-of-Utah-Compact-declaration-on-immigration-reform.html?s_cid=rss-30
Is there LDS doctrine and policy that is opposition to the Utah Compact Declaration?
Nunn posted at 11:38 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
I live in Mesa: Your logic is flawed. You assume that the curse consisted of the dark skin itself. No. It was only the SIGN of the curse. That means there is nothing either right or wrong with color of skin, in itself.
And as for Kimball's words, an Apostle at the time, I don't know what he was thinking. Again, his words do not necessarily equate color of skin with righteousness. Here again is an example of where a person should use his or her own mind and consult the actual doctrine, which again does not indicate a direct equation of whiteness to righteousness.
I live in Mesa posted at 10:33 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
Amending earlier post: (Ludder) Dishonest supporters
Mesa's Hispanic Democratic and Independent voters were called this Saturday and encouraged to vote for a write in candidate because Pearce and Lewis were both Republicans. Who was this anti-Republican group trying to suppress votes? None other than Tea Party Leader, Republican activist, and Pearce confidant Ronald Ludders.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/hispanic-politico/2011/11/05/breaking-from-jerry-lewis-campaign-office-regarding-russell-pearce-dirty-campaign-and-election-tactics/
I live in Mesa posted at 9:45 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
Nunn: Your words intrigued me when you said "(Pearce) is in perfect comportment with actual LDS doctrine and policy." I even googled the statement to see what it meant. Does "actual" in this statment mean "original" policy?
I came upon this:
The core story of the Book of Mormon is racist. It’s about a family in which two of the sons turned bad. God therefore cursed them with a dark skin. Dark skin, according to the Book of Mormon is a curse from God. There is no way Mormons can deny this fact. And the only way they can distance themselves from it is to denounce the Book of Mormon. But how do they do that when for decades they’ve claimed it’s “the keystone of our religion,” and “the most perfect book”? Some more thoughts to ponder: The following quote: Spencer W. Kimball, General Conference Report 1960, Improvement ERA, December 1960, pages 922-923
“I saw a striking contrast in the progress of the Indian people today… The day of the Lamanites is nigh. For years they have been growing delightsome, and they are now becoming white and delightsome, as they were promised. In this picture of twenty Lamanite missionaries, fifteen of the twenty were as light as Anglos, five were darker but equally delightsome. The children in the home placement program in Utah are often lighter than their brothers and sisters in the hogans on the reservation.”
Why is whiter skin color associated with righteousness? Isn’t that racism?
http://de-conversion.com/2008/08/03/33-reasons-why-i-left-the-mormon-church/
I can't argue with you on that one, I too think Pearce is in perfect comportment with actual/original LDS doctrine and policy.
Nunn posted at 8:59 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
"Her recent polls have found that voters are more concerned about the economy, jobs and education. Those issues have edged out illegal immigration as the former top issue, Kenski said."
------
But illegal immigration profoundly affects economy, jobs, and education. That is why it is so important, arguably the most important thing. It affects everything.
And Carolyn:
Your allegation of wife-abusing is a lie. A legal counselor made that false claim -- not the wife herself. So is your accusation of racism a lie. You're LDS? "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor," Carolyn.
And why ever in the world should the LDS Church be embarrassed? It is assumed by many that "the Prophet has spoken" with regard to illegal immigration. Some have falsely accused Pearce of "going against his church."
But the fact is, what Pearce has done legislatively in regard to illegal immigration is in perfect comportment with actual LDS doctrine and policy. The incognito press releases on this topic issued by the Church's Public Affairs Department, on the other hand, are NOT official statements of doctrine nor of policy, and are absolutely devoid of ANY priesthood authority whatsoever. And the Public Affairs Department, of itself, has absolutely no priesthood authority, whatsoever. If you look at the actual statements, you will not find the name of Thomas S. Monson, the name of his office, nor any express invocation of specific authority of priesthood office or authority, on ANY of them. As such, they are absolutely non-binding upon the general membership of the Church. And any assumption that the statements came from the prophet, or were approved by the prophet, is nothing more than that, an assumption.
Remember that priesthood authority, invocation of priesthood authority, and UNANIMITY OF CONSENSUS among the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve as regards matters of doctrine and policy, are cornerstones of LDS doctrine as set forth in scripture. If one or another general authority has his own, PERSONAL opinion on a matter, that is NON-BINDING upon the members of the Church, who are counseled to use THEIR OWN minds, and heed their own consciences. See D&C 107.
Russell Pearce is a good man who has honored his oath to uphold the Constitution. Want to talk about shame? What is shameful are the greedy businessmen who would attempt to politically assassinate this good man in order to maintain their supply of cheap, illegal-alien labor.
I live in Mesa posted at 6:26 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
AndyB: If this was just about SB1070 then you'd have a lot more people standing beside you. Fiesta Bowl (dishonest), Cortes (dishonest), denying spousal abuse claims by court papers filed by his wife (dishonest), relationship with lobbyists, relationship with J.T. Ready and other neo-nazis, arrogance towards people at the capital (or in general). One track mind, immigration when the people of LD18 would like a representative who will focus on jobs, education and the district that he was elected to represent. In his egotistical attempt to become Immigration King, he lost sight of his responsibilities towards the people he was elected to represent.
Masterrogue666 posted at 6:25 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
Cactuscrusader: Actually, I was answering that particular question. Although I like to copy the entire statement, I'll copy/paste the specific part I was commenting about:
"a warning shot to other people in power" -- The first person in power, that I can think of, that has acted counter to the MAJORITY of what US CITIZENS want is President Obama.
Depending on what poll you follow, he's DROPPED dramatically. The Gallup Daily has him starting at about 70% approve/12% disapprove to 42% approve/51% disapprove.
There's are MANY REASONS why. The FACT that he's tried to grant amnesty a few times (and now REFUSES to enforce Immigration Laws), is just one reason. His actions dictate that he thinks he's above the law, where's your rancor for him?
Masterrogue666 posted at 6:06 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
DavidNichols: Are you claiming that the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 was the only reason for economic recovery? I guess that "Deregulation and Reaganomics" had nothing to do with it. I did a search for "Economic history of the United States". INTERESTING THING, the Immigration Reform and Control Act wasn't mention.
Also, that Act was suppose to be followed by strengthened borders, and more laws against businesses that hire ILLEGAL ALIENS.
By the way, are you claiming I'm a "Nazi" with this statement?:
Please stop boring me with that dribble about it being "Hate and Racism". The MAJORITY of US citizens are tired of giving a free ride to ILLEGAL ALIENS. What ever happened to EARNING CITIZENSHIP like LEGAL IMMIGRANTS do DAILY?
AndyB posted at 5:20 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
I was very happy to vote for Pearce and mail my early ballot. Illegal is illegal and not a race.
Carolyn posted at 4:23 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
There is only one INTELLIGENT solution to this issue - DUMP RUSSELL PEARCE. He is a lying racist, arrogant, wife-abusing bully who needs to GO - and hopefully, after the election, we won't have to hear anything more from him. He has embarrassed his church, his community/precinct,, as well as his church (and I am LDS, as is he). We need honorable peoplo "serving" us in the Arizona Senate. He is simply reprehensible. DUMP him now.
Accuracy posted at 3:59 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
Early ballots were said to have been sent out last week for the Nov. 8 recall and candidates Russell Pearce and Jerry Lewis in west Mesa. Both Pearce and Lewis put out TV ads and sent out mailers.
I live in west Mesa's Legislative District 18, but I did not receive a Maricopa County ballot this time, or a ballot with the voting location for the Nov. 8 recall election coming up. I assume the polls will be at the same building location where I voted at during the Nov. 2, 2010 election. Or is this a way to delay some voters, in Legislative District 18, from getting to the polls Tuesday?
downtownresident posted at 3:50 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
California money? That would be Russ, not Jerry. Maybe you missed the news that Russ' money came from outside LD18, while Jerry's money came more from Mesa and LD18.
Russ is an arrogant bigot. A good ole boy, along with Lester the jester who, hopefully will get kicked out of office for his unethical actions.
Let's hope that the teabags get what's coming to them, too. Olivia and Greg Western should hang their heads in shame. Never mind, Greg obviously has no ethics or conscience. Olivia is just a dupe.
rouse2 posted at 3:24 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
turned on those that sponsored sb1070? how do you figure that? pearce was a media hound, that unlike arpio can't seem to help constituents with local problems because he is so drawn like a mouth to the national media. lewis supports 1070 too. or he claims to. if not then, and he wins, he will be gone next election and someone that does support it will be voted in. you're not going to change district 18 into a bunch of hippy freak pothead open borders loonies with any amount of califonia money. is this really nut case propaganda? or just way over the top mindless left wing spin?
Cactuscrusader posted at 3:23 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
Your so sweet really. You know you lost the Pearce battle so now you bring Obama into it. I don't blame you, this has to be difficult. But it is what's best for Arizona. By the way, the bombing Libya thing actually worked out well. The Fast and Furious thing was a mess, more will have to be seen about how that shakes out. Obama didn't, isn't and won't grant straight amnesty to immigrants. So all that aside how 'bout this Pearce race huh?
"They were doing what they thought politicians do, what comes naturally," Berman said. "They probably were a little surprised at how the people reacted to it."
That's the thing. Shown even more with the newest Pearce/ Brewer scandal and theft of Democracy of the people of Arizona the Redistricting Scandal. They just think that's that way to do things. That's why Pearce is going to be booted out in a few days because he feels that stealing Democracy from the people is "business as usual" blocking them out of the system, creating black lists, posting guards outside the Senate, running through his little underground rat tunnel at the capitol so no one can say "Hey what about our rights?". That's what got him here.
That and the laundry list that has been well aired. Cortes, Fiesta Bowl, ALEC, MVD, wife issues, kid issues, backing up a girlfriend beater, brother and niece issues, killing two people by not allowing them transplant just because they are poor in this crappy economy issues there's a lot of issues.
So I see why you two bozos wanna make it Obama's fault, but it's not. It's Pearce's fault for not listening to what his constituents were telling him. It's his pride's fault for thinking he knows better than everyone. It's his fear's fault for overtaking him and making him go to a crazy place where the state can't and shouldn't follow. Yes, more recalls are possible, but hopefully without Pearce's influence as Senate President they won't be necessary. We'll just have to monitor the situation and see how it pans out. I can't wait until Tuesday!
DavidNichols posted at 3:09 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
You know 666?
A very Great American President, Ronald M. Reagan, when facing a massive National Deficit in 1986 did two things, he lowered Taxes, however most importantly he granted "Amnesty" to approx: three million of America's Hardest, and most Devoted "Human" Workers.
Over the following thirty two years approx: twelve million more Good, Hard Working un-documented "Human" Immigrants came to what they thought was the "Greatest Country on Earth".
This thirty two year period was the most Prosperous Period in Total U.S. History!
Until January 2008 and the Hitler like Black Masked I.C.E. Deportation/Incarceration Programs!
This is Our I.C.E.'d Economy, we deserve it.
For every Hard Working Immigrant Deported since January 2008 America has lost over four times as many Jobs!
The "True Fact" is that the Hard Labor Immigrants gladly did for America, was the Foundation of our once Strong Economy, and this Hard Labor supported All other American Jobs!
Want to fix America?
Stop the Racism, and Hate?
America is great because it is good, when it ceases to be good, it ceases to be great."
Alex De Tocqueville
Lets get rid of King Arpaio, his stooge Senator/former Deputy Russell Pearce, and all of Pearce/Arpaio's Neo-Nazi 666 Buddies?
What do you say 666?
P.S. Pearce and his Gang that ran the Ringer Candidaqte Mrs. Cortes are truly Criminal, according to Arizona Law!
To:Good, and Liberty.
Slabside posted at 2:54 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
Not to mention bombing Libya without Congress' approval and Fast and Furious.
Masterrogue666 posted at 2:14 pm on Sat, Nov 5, 2011.
"The fact that this is so close is significant because it does send a warning shot to other people in power as to what might happen to them," Berman said -- Oh, like President OBAMA for REFUSING TO ENFORCE FEDERAL LAWS so he can try to grant AMNESTY to a bunch of CRIMINALS so they, and their supporters will vote for him next time? Time to IMPEACH "King" Obama.....