Bravo Newt,  finally a Republican breaking from the pack.   Many of the parties faithul believe controlling illegal  immigrants is one of the country  most important issues.

In Wednesday,debate Newt Gingrich said……

“I don’t see how the party – the party that says it’s the party of the family – is going to adopt an immigration policy, which destroys families that have been here a quarter of a century,” “Let’s be humane in enforcing the law without giving them citizenship, but be finding a way to create legality, so they are not separated from their families,”

He readily admits his position is controversial.    His chief rival, Mitt Romney, who is below  Newt in the polls said,

“People who have come to the country illegially should not have a special pathway that is preferable to those that stand in line in their home countries to come to this country.  (Newt’s) plan would not stand scrutiney “How about someone who’s been here 20 years,how about 12 years,about 10, 5,3? he said ” How many children do you have to hae to apply to this principle?   We make a mistake as a Republican Party in trying to describe which people who’ve come here illegally should be giving ammnesty.

Mitt Romneys position on immigration  has changed in the last five years.  The following statements are from a Meet the Press Interview in 2007

 TIM RUSSERT:  The Lowell Sun, your home–one of your hometown, state home papers, said this.  “Governor Mitt Romney expressed support for an immigration program that places large numbers of illegal residents on the path toward citizenship.

MITT ROMNEY: “`I don’t believe in rounding up 11 million people and forcing them at gunpoint from our country.  With these 11 million people, let’s have them registered, know who they are.  Those who’ve been arrested or convicted of crimes shouldn’t be here; those that are paying taxes and not taking government benefits should begin a process towards application for citizenship, as they would from their home country.'”

Newt’s independence will likely cause him votes along the way.   It most certainly damage his relationship with the party’s establishment.  However, if other members of GOP join him, it could change the course of a shrinking Republican Party.

Quick Numbers

48

Million hispanics in the US

66%

Originated from Mexico

5%

Percentage of Hispanics in Iowa

17%

Percentage of Hispanics in the United States

7%

Hispanics made up 7 percent of voters in the 2010 congressional election, the highest percentage for a nonpresidential election since the U.S. Census Bureau began collecting this information in 1974

The Republican party is in desperate need of Mavericks.  The consequences are major.  House represnetive Steve King  from Iowa, say Gringrichs position” makes it harder to consider endorsing him”    William Gheen,president of the anti-immigration group ALIPAC ,say’s  Newt is finished.  However,  Steve Duprey an RNC member from New Hampshire applauds Newt’s, for tacking the touchy immigration issue.

It’s a wait and see..In this tumultuous primary.

Cityfella