Senate Candidates Campaign on Immigration

Candidates in the race for Tennessee Senator Bill Frist’s seat are trying to use the issue of illegal immigration to position themselves, even though they generally all agree on what policy the nation should adopt.

Democrat Harold Ford, Jr. and Republicans Ed Bryant, Bob Corker and Van Hilleary have all said there is a need for additional security at US borders, and all are opposed to any form of amnesty for illegal immigrants. But two candidates are trying to set themselves apart from the rest.

Over the weekend, Ford began a radio ad campaign in which he suggests employers should be held accountable for encouraging a flood of illegal immigrants.

“…every day, 100s of employers look the other day, handing out jobs that keep illegals coming, and every day, the rest of us pay the price…”

The Memphis Representative goes on to say he put party loyalties aside to voted in favor of a tough immigration bill in the House last fall.

Meanwhile, a current ad for Republican Ed Bryant cites his endorsement from the American Council for Immigration Reform, a conservative group that protested President Bush’s proposed guest worker program.

“…After September 11th, Congressman Ed Bryant helped write the anti-terrorist laws that protect us today, and Ed Bryant has the grit it’ll take to secure our borders…”

Last week, Bryant’s campaign sent an email to its supporters accusing Republican opponent Bob Corker of engaging in so-called “triple talk” on the issue. The email claims as a contractor Corker hired illegal workers in 1988, but is trying to cover it up. Corker denies ever hiring undocumented immigrants.