Despite this, Ufire scored a major victory for the future of the pro-illegal laws currently on the books.
Tonight a Ufire board member named Steve Sandstrom defeated a long-time pro-education lawmaker who has consistently supported in-state tuition and driver privileges for illegals. Sandstrom ran on an anti-illegal campaign and the entire Republican establishment attempted to support his opponent. Despite this, he now joins the legislature and is sure to help us repeal the insane laws.
Additionally, the House sponsor of Drivers licenses and in-state tuition for illegals was defeated during a Senate run. David Ure has was working closely with Chris Cannon and Orrin Hatch to make the Dream Act a reality in Utah prematurely. During the last several sessions he has personally used his position on the rules committee to prevent the repeals of these laws from getting from the committee where they passed favorably out to the floor of the House for a vote. With him gone, our chances of repealing these bills is much higher than ever.
During the convention another pro-illegal House member (David Cox) was eliminated outright with over 60% of the vote.
So the anti-illegal immigration groups in Utah are rejoicing tonight over our prospects within the State... We're hopeful that the closer than expected Congressional result will continue to pressure Congress to do the right thing and not give in to the President/Senate amnesty programs.
June 28, 2006