Arizona Republic: “Arizona’s been there on immigration (it doesn’t work)”
Founded in 1890, the Arizona Republic has issued its first-ever endorsement for a Democratic presidential nominee. The paper cites Hillary Clinton’s ability “to lead with intelligence, decorum and perspective” and blasts Donald Trump for lacking the temperament and qualifications to be President. The editorial criticizes Trump for engaging in consistent displays of “petulance” that are “beneath our national dignity.”
The Republic joins such traditionally pro-Republican papers as the Dallas Morning News and Cincinnati Enquirer in breaking from tradition and backing Clinton this year.
While the entirety of the Republic’s editorial endorsement is worth a read, we were particularly struck by their assessment of immigration. In a section of the editorial titled, “Arizona’s been there on immigration (it doesn’t work),” the Republic writes:
“What’s more, Arizona went down the hardline immigration road Trump travels. It led our state to SB 1070, the 2010 “show me your papers” law that earned Arizona international condemnation and did nothing to resolve real problems with undocumented immigration.
Arizona understands that we don’t need a repeat of that divisive, unproductive fiasco on the national level. A recent poll shows Arizonans oppose both more walls and the mass deportations Trump endorses.
We need a president who can broker solutions.
Clinton calls for comprehensive immigration reform, a goal that business, faith and law enforcement leaders have sought for years. Her support for a pathway to citizenship and her call for compassion for families torn apart by deportation are consistent with her longtime support for human rights.”
