Pale Rider
12-10-2007, 01:40 AM
Tancredo: GOP Candidates 'Pandering' At Spanish-Language Debate
POSTED: 12:06 pm MST December 8, 2007
UPDATED: 12:15 pm MST December 8, 2007
DENVER -- Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo is boycotting a Spanish-language debate with his fellow GOP presidential candidates in Miami on Sunday, saying it has no place in presidential race and accusing his rivals of "pandering."
"It is the law that to become a naturalized citizen of this country you must have knowledge and understanding of English, including a basic ability to read, write, and speak the language," Tancredo said in a release Friday. "So what may I ask are our presidential candidates doing participating in a Spanish speaking debate?"
Tancredo has made hard-line immigration issues the hallmark of his long shot presidential campaign in much the same way it has branded his five terms in the House. The Congressman's two campaign ads focused on border security and threats ranging from terrorist to gangs -- using bloody images to underscore the point in both cases.
Tancredo said he will not join the other candidates at the Univision Republican debate at the University of Miami to drive home the idea that the nation needs a common language.
"Bilingualism is a great asset for any individual, but it has perilous consequences for a nation," Tancredo said. "As such, a Spanish debate has no place in a presidential campaign."
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/politics/14805549/detail.html?rss=den&psp=news
POSTED: 12:06 pm MST December 8, 2007
UPDATED: 12:15 pm MST December 8, 2007
DENVER -- Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo is boycotting a Spanish-language debate with his fellow GOP presidential candidates in Miami on Sunday, saying it has no place in presidential race and accusing his rivals of "pandering."
"It is the law that to become a naturalized citizen of this country you must have knowledge and understanding of English, including a basic ability to read, write, and speak the language," Tancredo said in a release Friday. "So what may I ask are our presidential candidates doing participating in a Spanish speaking debate?"
Tancredo has made hard-line immigration issues the hallmark of his long shot presidential campaign in much the same way it has branded his five terms in the House. The Congressman's two campaign ads focused on border security and threats ranging from terrorist to gangs -- using bloody images to underscore the point in both cases.
Tancredo said he will not join the other candidates at the Univision Republican debate at the University of Miami to drive home the idea that the nation needs a common language.
"Bilingualism is a great asset for any individual, but it has perilous consequences for a nation," Tancredo said. "As such, a Spanish debate has no place in a presidential campaign."
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/politics/14805549/detail.html?rss=den&psp=news