RK ARCHIVE - Republican Hypocrisy on Illegal Immigration: Smithfield Foods

Here in Virginia, the effort is utterly cynical. According to Schapiro, and he is correct in his assessment, "GOP lawmakers in this state are coming across as less interested in repairing the system -- one that is the responsibility of a federal government led by Republican George Bush -- than in reviling those who are overwhelming it."

It's cynical, and it's also hypocritical. Remember that Republicans are by far and away the closest allies of the corporations that are the biggest violators of our immigration laws. Republicans also receive by far the most money from these companies. Consider this article Part 1 of what should be a long series on Republicans and the illegal immigrant hiring (and exploiting) companies that love them (and give them lots of dough)!

By now, I'm sure we all know that Smithfield Foods has been and continues to be a major employer of illegal immigrants. For instance, see here and here and of course here.

So who are the main beneficiaries in Virginia of contributions by illegal-hiring and union-busting Smithfield Foods? Let's go to VPAP:

*Over the years, Smithfield Foods has given $518,893 to Republicans, $157,250 to Democrats. That's 77% to Republicans, 23% to Democrats.

*This year alone, Smithfield Foods has given $73,650 to Republicans, including Dave Albo ($1,000), Ken Cuccinelli ($500), Jeannemarie Devolites Davis ($1,000), Bob McDonnell ($20,000), Bill Bolling's Building a Better Virginia PAC ($5,000), Bill Howell's Dominion Leadership Trust PAC ($2,500), the Republican Party of Virginia ($10,000), the House Republican Campaign Committee ($10,250), and the Virginia Senate Republican Leadership Trust ($10,000).

*True, Smithfield has given to Democrats as well, but far less than to Republicans (a 3:1 ratio). Also, it's the Republicans who are the main ones railing against illegal immigrants, yet taking wads of money from companies that hire illegal immigrants.

So here's the bottom line: Republicans are hypocrites on this issue, big time. If not, they should refuse any money from companies, like Smithfield Foods, that employs and exploits illegal immigrants. They should return any money they've already received. If not, we should all feel free to ignore every word they have to say on this issue, because they're completely full of it.

Comments

What is up with AG Bob McDonnell? (Bubby - 9/4/2007 10:01:12 AM)

He takes $20,000 from Smithfield foods and then says this:

The attorney general said Republicans want to make sure "that criminal illegal aliens are not rewarded and are not allowed to stay in this country."

Bob McDonnell...yesterday

McDonnell (AmerIdiot - 9/4/2007 10:43:14 AM)

Repubs learned long ago that Joe Six-pack does not care about hypocrisy or truth as long as you go after dark people around election time. Since Lee Atwater, its racism, always racisim with repubs and many bluedog dems.
It gets them the six-pack vote.

six packs (JScott - 9/4/2007 11:49:20 AM)

Calling all Reps in a round about way racists ("its always racism with repubs")is like calling all Dems liberal. That just is simply not the case my friend. If you want to re-energize a demoralized Rep base keep calling them racist and see how far that goes. The last thing we should be doing is bringing race, stick to the real issues and therer is no arguement that hypocrisy exists, inflict race we all very well may lose. You don't win elections by calling people racist.

accountability (JScott - 9/4/2007 10:07:01 AM)

Those Reps listed and those Dems (the 23%) should all be held accountable for accepting these contributions becasue to me not only is this an immigration component but also campaign finance reform one. Of course in Va as long (and could be changing) the Reps have the GA they will get more of the lions share from everyone because those in the position of majority have the influence to benefit the contributors. I do not however believe that we want to make the contributions the "test" however because all those in offcie have these little skeletons in the closet. An example is are will really going to get "universal" care with all the money the insuracne and healthcare companies are throwing at these folks running for office. To me that is equally as distrubing as the illegal immigrant slant. maybe we should look at all these guys and publish in the newspaper exactly where it is they are getting their money and then upon re-election publish their voting records right along side their contributor amounts. The old which came first the chicken or the egg!

Hypocrisy? Ha! (Lumber Jack - 9/6/2007 4:24:35 PM)

You leftists are always so cowardly, aren't you? Free speech is your worst enemy, for the truth from the right makes you tremble. As you continue so desperately to tear away at the foundations of this great nation, you make it so obvious that you have great contempt for it. Fortunately, as the boomers die out and are replaced by a much more conservative Generation X, you shall see the tide make a drastic turn to the right. And those of us who grew up watching you try so hard to destroy this country will revel in your demise!