Kaine: Many "mean-spirited" immigration bills will fail

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine predicted that many of what he called "mean-spirited" proposals to crack down on illegal immigrants will not make it through the General Assembly this year.

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"We have to be so careful about this," Kaine (D) said. "We can't let these immigrant bills go overboard and paint this picture that we are hostile to new Americans. . . . We can't afford to go over the top on the rhetoric here."

For example, Kaine said, one proposal would require state publications to be printed only in English.

"Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Virginia," he said. "But hey, we are not going to publish any materials in foreign languages?"

Wait, Governor Kaine, you mean we actually want to attract tourists (and businesses) to Virginia?  What kind of radical, commie garbage is that?  C'mon, Governor, what ARE you thinking?  I mean, wouldn't it be wiser for you to go with the Ken "Amend the 14th Amendment" Cuccinelli's of the world on stuff like this?  On second thought...  

All sarcasm aside, Gov. Kaine noted in the interview all the things Virginia already is doing with regard to illegal immigration (e.g., "Department of Motor Vehicles workers check new applicants for proof of citizenship or legal presence").  Kaine said "he would consider bills to deny bail to illegal immigrants and penalize employers for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants."  However, Kaine also said that he would not sign any bills that "deny immigrants access to education and social services," are "'goofy,' harsh or punitive."  

On that latter note, Republicans certainly have offered some seriously "goofy" bills this year on a whole range of subjects, including immigration.  I mean, heck, even Ayatollah Cuccinelli himself admits that "[s]ome of these are just show bills" and that "[s]ome certainly have constitutional problems." Gee, you think so, Cooch?  Duhhhhh.

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