November 14, 2007

Governor Spitzer Abandons Drivers License for Undocumenteds

Monique Chartier

Governor Eliot Spitzer has backed off his controversial plan to issue drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants.

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer on Wednesday dropped a controversial plan to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants because of overwhelming opposition to the policy.

"I've concluded that New York state cannot conduct this program on its own," Spitzer said at a Capitol Hill news conference. "It does not take a stethoscope to hear the pulse of New Yorkers on this topic"

It was a plan that had an immediate, negative impact on his approval rating.

The Siena College survey released Tuesday found only 25% of voters would re-elect him, while 49% indicated they'd "prefer someone else."

Spitzer's job performance rating was pegged at 33% positive in the poll, while 64% gave him the thumbs down.

The poll found strong opposition to Spitzer's revised "three-tier" license plan that would allow undocumented immigrants to drive legally in New York, with 65% saying it stinks.

Indeed, the proposal was a bad idea on several fronts. I sincerely hope that the Governor withdrew his proposal because the strong, nearly universal opposition caused him to reflect on those reasons and duly reconsider his proposal, not because of the effects it was having on his approval rating.

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I wonder how quickly Shelly will backtrack from his statement that he supports drivers licenses for illegal aliens.

Posted by: Greg at November 14, 2007 11:41 AM

Hillary really took the pipe on this one. She's now on record as being to the Left of not only 90% of America, but her own far, far Left governor.

Posted by: Mike at November 14, 2007 2:40 PM

That's right, Mike. First she looked bad on national tv waffling on a simple question that people feel strongly about. Then, when she does take a stance on the matter - and winds up looking lame for doing so only after the fact - she gets the rug pulled out from under her. (Presumably Camp Clinton is not very happy with Governor Spitzer today, by the way.)

This turned into an unfortunate episode all around for H.R. Clinton.

Posted by: Monique at November 14, 2007 9:53 PM

I think we may have the first 'Infamous Tank Scene' or 'Primal Scream' of the political season. How hysterical would it be for this issue to be what breaks the back of her campaign?

"I voted for the war before I voted against it" has NOTHING on her six different opinions on this in two weeks. And it will be in every campaign ad from here til she's booted.

Posted by: Greg at November 14, 2007 10:03 PM
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