Question: "What is the appropriate balance in giving government policing powers?"
Brownlee took a swipe at something Cuccinelli said about "price gouging" ... check Shaun's blog for the background.
Immigration: GOP has been criticized nationally on its strong stand on illegal immigration. ... pushes away Hispanic voters.
Foster: We don't abandon our core Republican principles. Against violations of the law ... lives in Arlington and got black and Hispanic vote (62% overall). Look at ways to empower localities to enforce laws and prosecute illegals while respecting the values and traditions of immigration.
Brownlee: Frist we are a party that believes in the rule of law. Cannot have laws that we do not enforce but that is what has happened with illegal immigration. As a US Attorney he has had to deal with the immigration issue and has credibility.
Cuccinelli: NoVa district has wide variety of ethnic constituents. Balances this issue all the time. Republicans should naturally be connecting with this issue -- small business owners, families. Has passed bills to protect illegals who have been trafficed here by "coyotes." Very sensitive issue, need to attend their churches, their festivals -- he has reached out to all ethnic communities in his District successfully. He has a track record of doing it. We have to make it an active effort to continually nuture a coalition that includes them.
Closing statements of two minutes each (shortened due to the lateness of the hour). Today's luncheon is being hosted by Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and that begins shortly so they are trying to stay on schedule as much as possible.
Bloggers who are interested enough to blog the GOP events have proven they will do whatever it takes ... setting up at the water table, blogging with computer on lap (Crystal), blogging on a blackberry with Twitter (Jason), blogging with a borrowed computer (thanks again, Alexandria) ... the next event may be set up and ready to go for everyone. The interest is certainly there, and the GOP needs to tap into the ready "media" at their fingertips because we will get the message out by running around the mainstream media and blasting out to the blogosphere.
This was a very successful debate and obviously of interest to most of those attending the Advance which was evident by the number of people packing the room. That is good. it shows that the Republican Party is not down and out ... we are not moping in the corner ... we are moving forward and planning and ready to win again.
The room is emptying with a reminder to all to vote in the straw poll which will be open until 1:45 pm. Be sure to check http://www.shaunkenney.com/ and http://www.jsnotes.com/ and http://www.crystalclearconservative.wordpress.com/ for their debate updates.
No comments:
Post a Comment