Washington, DC – Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke is offering a model for how Democrats can and should address immigration and border issues.
In quotes highlighted by El Paso Matters, O’Rourke weighed in this week on Gov. Greg Abbott’s relentless and cynical nativism and the larger issues at stake:
“We don’t need scare tactics or fearmongering or stunts. We need solutions … We need a governor who understands that immigrants are our greatest asset, our source of strength. If you want to come here to work, to join your family, to seek asylum, to petition for refuge, there’s got to be a lawful, orderly, safe and quick path for you to be able to do that.”
According to Zachary Mueller, Political Director for America’s Voice:
“Other Democrats should take cues from Beto O’Rourke on how to talk about immigration and border issues this election cycle: first, engage the debate; second, define the GOP and their extremism; and finally, assert values-based solutions, which are extraordinarily popular with the American people.
Republicans have made it abundantly clear that they are making nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment a key part of their midterm message. So Democrats need to have an effective response to interrupt the Republicans’ dangerous narrative, even if immigration is not the number one issue for general election voters. Other Democrats around the country should echo Beto’s message, one supported by the majority of Americans.”
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