Veep watch: Sanford scores big on immigration enforcement
posted at 8:30 pm on May 29, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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After John McCain clinched the nomination, several names floated among conservatives as potential VP choices to bridge the gap between McCain and the party base. Governor Mark Sanford got significant mention, as Sanford has proven himself a solid fiscal conservative in some legendary battles with the South Carolina state legislature — including members of his own party — on pork-barrel spending. Today, Sanford prevailed on an immigration enforcement package that will potentially escalate his standing as a McCain running mate:
South Carolina businesses will have to make sure their workers are in the country legally under a bill heading to the governor.
The House gave final approval to the bill on a 94-16 vote Thursday. Gov. Mark Sanford praised lawmakers for sending him a strong bill and said he is eager to sign it.
The vote ends months of political wrangling between the House and Senate. The two chambers had passed competing proposals that volleyed back and forth as lawmakers traded accusations over who was holding up progress.
Earlier this month, the state Senate appeared poised to pass immigration-enforcement legislation that would have removed a requirement for South Carolina businesses to use the federal e-Verify system when hiring employees to ensure that they had a legal right to work. Sanford told the legislature that any retreat on e-Verify would be unacceptable, signaling a veto if the bill did not retain the tough enforcement provisions that the House had passed. The Senate retreated, and South Carolina now joins a half-dozen other states in enforcing employer sanctions for hiring illegals.
Meanwhile, Sanford continues his efforts to impose fiscal discipline. He issued 69 vetoes on the upcoming budget to trim $72 million out of a $7 billion budget. The legislature will have to override each veto separately to restore funding, which seems unlikely. Sanford pointed out that the budget had increased 40% over the last four years, far outstripping the economy, and demanded more discipline on spending.
Will this raise his prospects with McCain? Under normal conditions, a hard-line advocate on immigration enforcement might not endear himself to McCain, but McCain needs some credibility on border enforcement after a rhetorical stumble last week. Adding Sanford to the ticket would go a long way towards making peace with the border-security lobby. More importantly, Sanford would make the exact kind of party leader that the GOP needs to bolster its badly-listing credibility as a party of fiscal discipline and small government. In that sense, Sanford makes a perfect partner for McCain.
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This is way more important than the border issue, though border is also needed (but can never be 100% proof, with the steaks attracting the wasps).
Entelechy on May 29, 2008 at 8:34 PM
Well, Ed, we BOTH saw Gov. Sanford in Reno and he IS the best and brightest. However, I don’t want him wasted, career over, by being saddled with John McCain. We need people like Sanford and if he becomes McCain’s veep, Sanford will be tarnished, ruined, and gone.
Warner Todd Huston on May 29, 2008 at 8:39 PM
How can Sanford go out there and sell McCain shamnesty?
I doubt he can or will.
EJDolbow on May 29, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Well, Ed, we BOTH saw Gov. Sanford in Reno and he IS the best and brightest. However, I don’t want him wasted, career over, by being saddled with John McCain. We need people like Sanford and if he becomes McCain’s veep, Sanford will be tarnished, ruined, and gone.
Warner Todd Huston on May 29, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Or maybe the next President, after McCain’s one term. . .?
MrLynn on May 29, 2008 at 8:41 PM
Oops! Meant to put WTH’s quote in Quote format.
Can’t we edit yet?
MrLynn on May 29, 2008 at 8:42 PM
On the contrary, I think the “stumble” indicates what McCain plans to do if he’s elected president, and probably shows that he’s not going to pick someone to bolster a message he doesn;t really believe in.
That is, until Sanford adopts McCain’s immigration positions as his running-mate. Then he’ll be just another RINO.
Big S on May 29, 2008 at 8:42 PM
On the contrary, I think the “stumble” indicates what McCain plans to do if he’s elected president, and probably shows that he’s not going to pick someone to bolster a message he doesn’t really believe in.
That is, until Sanford adopts McCain’s immigration positions as his running-mate. Then he’ll be just another RINO.
Big S on May 29, 2008 at 8:42 PM
Sanford is also great on taxes and–this is a VERY important issue for me–is a STRONG advocate of vouchers. Public education is such a failure; we need to completely scrap the system and start over. I think Sanford can put us on the road to doing that.
malan89 on May 29, 2008 at 8:43 PM
You only need to hit submit once.
malan89 on May 29, 2008 at 8:43 PM
I love my home state of South Carolina, and I could not be prouder of Governor Sanford. I’m glad I got to vote for him once before I moved to NC! This means they will migrate north to the sanctuary state of NC, but it’s a great start!!!.
SouthernGent on May 29, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Why would John “Obscene Profits” McCain pick a running mate who is diametrically opposed to amnesty? Won’t that make it harder to get amnesty?
It would also alienate McCain’s base: liberals and the media.
MCCAIN ‘08: TOO RACIST TO VOTE FOR THE BLACK COMMIE? VOTE FOR THE WHITE ONE!
misterpeasea on May 29, 2008 at 8:54 PM
I know, it’s a shame. Hopefully Easley’s cronie doesn’t win and we can actually lay down some standards for obtaining a driver’s license. NC is the number one example of how a national id card is so desperately needed. Streamline enforcement by requiring a national id card to gain employment, rent/buy a home, and get a driver’s license. Efficient and effective.
malan89 on May 29, 2008 at 8:54 PM
I think I’m going to second Big S’ comment. As of yet, McCain has not really shown a desire to “court,” as it were, a conservative view on immigration, regardless of what is viewed as a “rhetorical stumble.”
Weight of Glory on May 29, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Not a rhetorical stumble.
A Kinsley gaffe.
misterpeasea on May 29, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Sanford sounds like a miracle worker.
Connie on May 29, 2008 at 8:58 PM
It seams to me that AP and Ed just set us all up today. Palin vs. Sanford…. All we have to do is change the top of the ticket….
Or…. maybe these two will be the ticket in 2012.….Both successful Govs…Get their names out there.
Could it be the GOP has given up this cycle and they’re looking to the future? That is if we have one.
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 9:03 PM
The Veep will be J.C.Watts
AnthonyK on May 29, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Sorry; let me try that again:
This is only one State……………
If this doesn’t open your eyes nothing will!
From the L. A. Times
1.42% of all workers in L. A.County ( L. A. County has 10.2 million people) are working for cash and not paying taxes. This is because they are predominantly illegal immigrants working without a green card.
2.96% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens.
3.78% of people on the most wanted list in Los Angeles are illegal aliens.
4.Over 2 /3 of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal alien Mexicans on Medi-Cal , whose births were paid for by taxpayers.
5.Nearly 40% of all inmates in California detention centers are Mexican nationals here illegally.
6.Over 350,000 illegal aliens in Los Angeles County are living in garages.
7. The FBI reports half of all gang members in Los Angeles are most likely illegal aliens from south of the border.
8.Nearly 70% of all occupants of HUD properties are illegal.
9 ..21 radio stations in L. A. are Spanish speaking.
10. In L. A. County 5.1 million people speak English,4.3 million speak Spanish.
(There are 10.2 million people in L. A. County )
(All 10 of the above are from the Los Angeles Times)
Less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking our crops, but 37% are on welfare. ;
Over 73% of the United States ‘ annual population growth (and over 90% of California, Florida, and New York ) results from immigration.
34% of inmates in federal prisons are illegal aliens.
We are a bunch of fools for letting this continue. When will our Government take responsibility and STOP this?
Keemo on May 29, 2008 at 9:03 PM
malan89 on May 29, 2008 at 8:54 PM
And very big brother.
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 9:05 PM
On another note, this Sanford fella sounds great; I would just assume that these great governors stay where they are and help build a strong conservative grassroots machine in their individual states; helping conservative state legislators and city counsel members get elected, exhibit how conservative agenda items and underlying philosophy bring about effective, efficient, accountable government, etc. We need strong local and state guys (and gals) and they will be all the more important as we move forward.
Weight of Glory on May 29, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Or Jindal, or Sue Myrick, or Alaska’s feisty lady governor.
There are some good ways to Veep-leaven McShamnesty.
profitsbeard on May 29, 2008 at 9:09 PM
AnthonyK on May 29, 2008 at 9:03 PM
jeez… a third good pick to the mix….
How did we get McCain???????
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Did a little checking on Sanford, and he looks like the real deal. The question is whether he’s too conservative for McCain.
He even referred to himself as “the right-wing nut” who’s better on immigration than McCain (not that that’s exactly difficult).
Hollowpoint on May 29, 2008 at 9:10 PM
I don’t know much about Sanford, but he sounds pretty good.
jaime on May 29, 2008 at 9:11 PM
All is well. McCain learned his lesson and said we must have comprehensive immigration reform (as opposed to his promise to secure the border first).
It will be easier to kill amnesty under Obama with all the Republicans united against him, instead of having them feel obliged to follow McCain the party leader. Also the Democrat version of the bill will be so ridiculous, it will never pass.
Valiant on May 29, 2008 at 9:12 PM
I think he’ll pick a lady, and so will Obama.
Entelechy on May 29, 2008 at 9:12 PM
That’s what I’ve been thinking too.
Weight of Glory on May 29, 2008 at 9:13 PM
No double post this time, I promise.
I disagree with your conclusion that the PS system needs to be “scrapped.” There are plenty of good schools; the issue is getting the bad ones up to speed. I like the idea of vouchers in some cases, but I worry about the current trands in a lot of places that have a great deal of school choice. For instance, in New York City, large schools are being split into smaller ones with specific educational “goals” for their students. Perhaps you heard of the “social justice” school in Brooklyn. I taught for a year at a middle school where the whole curriculum focused on environmentalism. The problem with this is that it allows parents to put their students in schools where their priorities are emphasized, and the idea of a well-rounded education is basically forgotten. When I was a kid, all of the schools I attended had plenty of educational options in addition to the core stuff: art, shop, various kinds of music classes, etc. These are exactly the kinds of things that are being cut back, especially in the bad schools.
One other gripe of mine is the trend away from different “streams” fr students of different ability levels. It used to be that the math, English, science, or social studies departments would offer three or four different levels so students could be placed in an enviroment where they stand a chance of succeeding. Now, it is more likely that all students are placed in the same class, which is unfair to both extremes.
Big S on May 29, 2008 at 9:13 PM
How will that “escalate his standing as a McCain running mate” and “Sanford makes a perfect partner for McCain” as Juan is of the muy opposite mind on this whole matter? Wouldn’t most voters see the mucho cynicism of such una sombra McCain/Sanford ticket?
MB4 on May 29, 2008 at 9:13 PM
John “Obscene Profits” McCain will fix that problem, and fix it good!
MCCAIN ‘08: BECAUSE MEXICANS NEED A PRESIDENT TOO!
misterpeasea on May 29, 2008 at 9:15 PM
You tell me. Think Huckabee screwed Romney by asking his delegates to vote for McCain:)
AnthonyK on May 29, 2008 at 9:17 PM
If McCain follows his typical trajectory, he’ll probably pick someone who will be as “moderate” as he is, will be a big government guy that is also good enough on foreign policy issues so as to garner the needed support from places like TWS, but will leave conservatives once again scratching their heads, wondering how McCain can be so “tone deaf” But the pick won’t be bad enough for us to simply walk in Nov. and we will continue to be frustrated with the choice we have. Then from the time he is picked as his VP, we will be bombarded with folks trying to convince us that the ticket is really a conservative one, and if you don’t agree then your are deranged, or an extremist, or a hardliner, or whatever the kids are calling us now-a-days. Dang! I’m depressing tonight! I’m going to go watch the Astros lose to St.L.
Weight of Glory on May 29, 2008 at 9:23 PM
You silly Gringo you still do not get it do you. Juan with me the real power behind the throne of course will be el Presidente of both el condados as they become Los Grandes Estados de Mexico ! The capital will of course end up being moved from Washington of the DC to Mexico Ciudad. You really should be spending your time learning spanish instead of making up bumper stickers.
VinyFoxy on May 29, 2008 at 9:23 PM
I totally screwed up on that post.
I ,of course, meant to say that McCain asked his delegates to vote for Huckabee which cost Romney the West Virginia Primary
AnthonyK on May 29, 2008 at 9:27 PM
AnthonyK on May 29, 2008 at 9:27 PM
And so it goes…on and on
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Now if we can make it a crime for any government employee to give taxpayer’s money {by any means} to illegals, then they would deport themselves.
Johan Klaus on May 29, 2008 at 9:50 PM
I love Sanford, but I’m afraid he has already turned the job down. His 4 kids and wife might not want to move to Washington, DC. I worry that Sarah Palin’s husband and kids may feel the same way.
funky chicken on May 29, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Sanford led the McCain campaign in 2000 in South Carolina, so they have a history together. Like I said though, I don’t think he wants the job.
I hope I’m wrong because I think he’s the golden pick. Palin looks like a great second option, but her family may veto it also. That’s why Jindal could work, because his kids are still not in school yet.
Yeah, I’m a military wife and mother, so we’ve had many discussions about these kinds of things over the years.
funky chicken on May 29, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Weight of Glory on May 29, 2008 at 9:06 PM
He’s term limited in 2010, so Sanford wouldn’t lose too much of his time in office. He could also help a strong successor take over for more terms following him.
Sanford! (if he’ll accept the job)
funky chicken on May 29, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Is he a lawyer? I’m thinking AG.
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 10:00 PM
It’s only the Veep position. At best this man’s politics are only symbolic.
paulsur on May 29, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Interesting politician. Term limited himself out of Congress as promised. Understands to his core the two central tenets of Conservatism, fiscal restraint and small government bias.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Sanford
Unlike the faux conservatives here he supports John McCain. What does he know that you don’t?
The question going forward is he presidential material. Normally a passing question but in this election an overriding issue with McCain’s age. Pick or not I wish McCain would get on with it so people can get to know the nominee. It’s not totally out of the question that the VP will determine if McCain gets elected.
patrick neid on May 29, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I was hoping for Rudy as AG, but for selfish reasons. I want to watch him go up for confirmation hearings with the Senate Judiciary Committee. I might even buy one of those TIVO things so I wouldn’t have to miss any of it.
Rudy swinging for the fences against Chuckie Schumer and Leaky Leahy and the rest of the fun bunch.
funky chicken on May 29, 2008 at 10:14 PM
That’s more likly than not. imho
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Maybe he knows of a little switch on the back of Juan’s neck that is turned to the support agri-business and their lust after serf labor position that he can flip over to the support America position.
MB4 on May 29, 2008 at 10:16 PM
funky chicken on May 29, 2008 at 10:14 PM
I tried to find out if he was or not but so far nothing.
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Oh no I thought this piece was gong to be a hit on Sanford.
No….he slaped himself.
jerrytbg on May 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM
That’s an awfully charitable way of putting it.
Jimmie on May 29, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Sanford’s lovely wife is a powertools company heiress (Skil) and McCain’s lovely wife is a beer company heiress. Gotta love that…not that one should enjoy those products at the same time or anything, beer and Skil saws don’t mix.
funky chicken on May 29, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Yes Sanford is the future of the party, which is why him and Jindal should run the hell away from McCain.
libertytexan on May 29, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I wonder how many didn’t or would not have vote for Reagan because he picked blue blood Bush “voodoo economics” Senior?
aikidoka on May 29, 2008 at 11:11 PM
*voted*
aikidoka on May 29, 2008 at 11:11 PM
My prediction: Colin Powell—assuming his wife lets him run.
That’ll give us two RINOs for the price of one. But it’ll throw the ‘black’ vote into a tizzy.
MrLynn on May 29, 2008 at 11:50 PM
This fight got pretty ugly with the blue-blood Republican Senate leader from Charleston (or “Chahhhlstun” as we pronounce it) called Sanford a Nazi propaganda operative. Luckily Glen McConnell (blue-blood R) heard the masses and turned nice.
SouthernGent on May 29, 2008 at 11:52 PM
I bet the hospitals in SC are happy with this. In my area, 2 hospitals have financially shut down to the negative effects of illegal immigration.
I like Sanford as a VP.
ColtsFan on May 30, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Hi Keemo:
Have you checked Snopes on this?
Snopes lists the status of the above as: “multiple”.
I am employed at a hospital. And I see the crime, anchor babies, and loss of revenue on every shift.
I do not doubt that there is much substance behind your quoted material. I just was not sure if you knew that Snopes had an article about your citation.
ColtsFan on May 30, 2008 at 12:16 AM
eam ticketYes Sanford is the future of the party, which is why him and Jindal should run the hell away from McCain.
libertytexan on May 29, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Dream ticket…agreed.
Saltysam on May 30, 2008 at 1:00 AM
If McCain’s serious about a Veep who could lead at any time, Sanford’s an ideal pick.
T J Green on May 30, 2008 at 3:06 AM
Hell, what does it matter who Juan picks as a Veep? Assuming McCain’s health is good, all that means is a true conservative Veep languishes in anonymity for eight years, while McCain’s RINOism either tars or ruins him/her (or both).
Better to hope that McCain finds someone that isn’t even worse than he is, rather than someone who is significantly better.
Even better still, allow the new crop of conservative Governors to earn their spurs in their home states for the next eight years, holding the line on spending, immigration, and taxes.
Wanderlust on May 30, 2008 at 6:53 AM
We could use a few of them in the US Senate!
MrLynn on May 30, 2008 at 7:58 AM
ColtsFan on May 30, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Thanks for the link ColtsFan… Very interesting. I can tell you this much; I lived in the Los Angeles area, and owned-operated a small business there, for 25 years. I watched what happens when government agencies enforce the law on selective groups of people only. On hundreds of street corners (gas stations, convenience stores) you will find any where from 10 to 50 “illegals for hire” looking for day work. I worked in the building industry; our job sites were littered with illegals working for cash. Competitors looking to avoid workman’s compensation expenses, hire these unskilled workers in an effort to gain an edge. As time rolled by, this practice became a “way of life” for many businesses simply because there was no penalty for doing so. My company worked on a high profile project at Pepperdine University (2002-2003); where on any given day you could find 150 men working. I’d say 1/2 of these men couldn’t speak English, and loads of cash got handed out every Friday. Myself and my crew of (8) American men were in the minority. I worked on a new home for a high profile political figure in Los Angeles; same scenario applied to that job as did at Pepperdine; lots of illegals, and lots of cash getting handed out. Mexicans make up a large majority of the illegal population in Los Angeles; however, I saw lots of Iranians in that category also.
A good look at California and all of it’s problems, is also a good look at the future of our country if we can’t get politicians to enforce the laws that already exist. Democrats appear to be all about building voter blocks rather than upholding/enforcing our laws. I’m afraid Juan McCain fits rather nicely into the same category.
Keemo on May 30, 2008 at 8:09 AM
Sanford, Palin, the list is building…
right2bright on May 30, 2008 at 8:28 AM
I agree with you.
Construction wages and other blue-collar job wages are being depressed due to employers hiring illegals. This descriptive fact unfortunately means that African-Americans are, sadly, being thrown under the bus.
If you look at the recent anti-amnesty coalition, I believe that African-American congressmen from urban, liberal districts joined House conservatives in attacking amnesty, I think.
I am employed at a hospital here in Illinois. The Emergency Room commonly sees Spanish-speaking only Mexicans on every shift. But illegals from Honduras and Guatamala are a close second. When the hospital asks for identification or any photo id or documentation, the illegals usually pull out a Mexican ID card or a Honduras or Guatamala card, along with a State of Illinois Medicaid Public Aid card. It is very common. Of course this is very common as well. I did not fully understand why until I read this article.
ColtsFan on May 30, 2008 at 8:43 AM
Good point.
Look at Los Angeles schools. Look at the
Race Wars.
Sometimes, I wonder if we are too late for California and the rest of the Southwest USA.
ColtsFan on May 30, 2008 at 8:54 AM
Great links ColtsFan… I’ll dig in to these links this evening when I return home from work. Must go earn some money to pay for my sons college education & the thousands of “chain” babies that will be born into our system today.
Have a great day. :)
Keemo on May 30, 2008 at 9:06 AM
The voting blocks that Juan ’su credito es bueno’ McCain is courting will always be in the Dhimmicrat sphere of influence. The Ds main objective is to get citizenship as soon as possible for the millions of illegals since they understand full well that this will result in long term one party rule.
Annar on May 30, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Well the problem is that Snopes does indeed have a political aspect to it. I know its sad but you cannot consider it to be the last word. Here is Vodkapundit debunking them…and here I am debunking them.
So then snopes is not the last word.
PierreLegrand on May 30, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Oh by the way it isn’t just the West Coast that is under assault by immigrants. Miami is not a majority spanish speaking town…GREAT NEWS!
Just do darn disgusted with this turn of events.
PierreLegrand on May 30, 2008 at 12:16 PM
ooops scratch not and insert NOW a Majority Spanish speaking town.
PierreLegrand on May 30, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Therefore, he doesn’t have a prayer of getting the nod from The Maverick.
james23 on May 30, 2008 at 12:28 PM
McCain’s pick, whoever it is, will not be made for purposes of reassuring conservatives. It will be an outreach to moderate Dems pick. Clearly, moderate Dems are target #1 for his campaign, not conservatives.
james23 on May 30, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I’d say: sign him up! but I fear that james23 is right…Juan
no puede hacer la cosa derecha.
Get used to it amigos, Spanglish is here to stay.
Christine on May 30, 2008 at 12:46 PM
As a South Carolinian familiar with the BEST GOVERNOR IN THE USA, I know that that would never happen. He along with Sen. DeMint are the most principled conservatives in the country.
MechEng5by5 on May 30, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Maybe you could convince Richard Vinroot to run again. If I remember correctly, he gave Easley a run for his money. My dad taught Vinroot in high school and has been a major supporter since he was mayor of Charlotte.
MechEng5by5 on May 30, 2008 at 2:11 PM
I was not aware of that. I do not use Snopes often.
Thank you for your comment.
ColtsFan on May 30, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Ed Morrissey, Lindsey Graham is missing from the line-up too. I can’t imagine why McCain would throw Graham underneath the Straight Talk Express bus. Perhaps he’s McCain’s VP pick.
btw, is it really probable that someone would speak twice at the convention?
Frank T.J Mackey on August 20, 2008 at 4:21 PM
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