A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN RANDY PULLEN

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN RANDY PULLEN

Dear Friends,

This past week has seen some of the most tumultuous political activity in Arizona and around our nation in recent memory with the introduction in Congress of bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming our nation’s immigration laws. Here in Arizona, where cross-border traffic is among the heaviest, this issue is especially important. It is safe to say that every resident of our state has, in some way, been affected by illegal immigration.

From drugs to gangs to the trafficking of people – and even to the threat of terrorism – Arizona voters of all partisan and political persuasions have very strong opinions about this issue. What unites a vast majority of voters in our state – Republicans, Democrats and independents alike – is our desire for border security first and foremost. That is the message we received from voters in all fifteen counties, young and old, rich and poor, across every demographic and from every walk of life..

When this compromise legislation, the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 was announced late last week, Arizona voters were quick to react, as did grassroots-minded Republicans in states across the nation. Here at Arizona Republican Party HQ, the calls we received were very lopsided: Over 1,600 callers opposed the legislation; while only 8 supported it.

For the first 48 hours, Republicans came in to re-register as independents. Another tore his voter card up in our office and discarded the pieces on our floor. Another simply left his Republican registration cards on our desk and said he wouldn’t need them any longer.

Far too often in politics, we fail to give our grassroots their due voice. We call on them each election year to work for our party and our candidates, and then they are all too often ignored until the next election cycle. That’s not the type of Republican party we want in Arizona. We understand our voters and our Precinct Committeemen and our volunteers and our local parties are the foundation of our coming victories.

In the past 48 hours, since we engaged on this issue, by stating the Arizona Republic Party does not support the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2007, our phone calls, emails and faxes at the office have remained just as firmly in opposition to this legislation, but they now include thank-you notes and contributions from individuals who haven’t donated to the party in years. We’ve even had people come into HQ to re-register as Republican after leaving the party just days ago because they felt their voices were not only heard but amplified.

But conversely, I’m very concerned about the direction that some criticism has taken, most especially toward U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, who has served our state and our nation with great dedication for two decades now. I was forwarded an email today containing a letter from Congressman Trent Franks who addressed this issue so eloquently that I would like to quote directly from his letter:

“I understand that some people may disagree with Senator Kyl's position on immigration reform. However, I believe that the vitriolic rhetoric recently used by some to condemn Jon Kyl is highly inappropriate and shameful. I urge anyone who may disagree with Senator Kyl to do so respectfully and to refrain from attacking the personal integrity of this honorable man,” wrote Congressman Franks, according to the email.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Senator Kyl has earned a lifetime “A” rating from the National Rifle Association. He has frequently earned near-perfect or even 100 percent ratings from such organizations as the American Conservative Union, Americans for Tax Reform, National Right to Life, National Federation of Independent Business, US Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Prosperity, and the list goes on.

Senator Kyl is considered one of the ten most effective US Senators in Congress today. From protecting our paychecks to protecting our families to protecting our nation, Jon Kyl has been Arizona and America’s most dedicated patriot for decades. He has fought our tough battles time and again, and tomorrow he will be there fighting just as hard with just as much pride. More than once I’ve heard Senator Kyl referred to as a statesman, not a politician.

As a party, we must remain committed to our principles each and every day. We must engage the Democrat majority in Congress each and every day for the benefit of our nation, our state and our party. But in our vigilance in defense of our liberty and our rights, we must not allow ourselves to deteriorate into the politics of hate or personal destruction which all-too-frequently characterize the Democrats’ attacks on our candidates at election-time.

We are at an important time here in Arizona when a reenergized grassroots can play a tremendous role in our hopes and aspirations for victory next year. To the more than one million men and women who make up the Arizona Republican Party, I am still humbled each day to serve you as chairman. Together, we can – and will – accomplish great things.

Sincerely,

RANDY