Arizona Governor Jan Brewer didn’t have a stellar debate last night against Democratic opponent Terry Goddard. Her opening statement can be described as awkward, peppered with several pauses, blanking out like she forgot her lines. Watch it here. Hey, no big deal, happens to everybody. But when Terry Goddard pointed out Jan’s previous statement that “law enforcement agencies have found bodies in the desert either buried or just lying out there that have been beheaded” had no basis in fact, at least none that Jan could provide, of which several media outlets asked her to provide proof and received no response. Brewer never responded to Goddard’s point.
Here’s where the fun is: the press afterwards surrounded Brewer, asking why she didn’t answer Goddard, and they pressed her repeatedly on the issue:
Instead, she pulled a Sharron Angle, and took off to the groans of the press.
I’m not here to argue about the need for strong immigration reform and enhanced protection of our borders from illegal immigrants, drugs and potential terrorist threats. The Obama administration and the Congress need to fulfill their duties. Neither Dems or Repubs in the Congress seem to want to really talk reform, but just blather about it, as it’s an election year. Funny how the individuals like John Boehner say it’s the Federal Government’s fault when he’s part of said government.
Back to Brewer and some fun facts:
She has said that almost all illegal immigrants are bringing drugs across the border, U.S. Border Patrol says that’s not true.
She has said there has been a rash of kidnappings in Arizona. John McCain helped double down on this and said Phoenix is the number 2 kidnapping capital in the world. Of course, not true.
And who stands to gain from SB 1070? Maybe the private corrections firms, who have ties to Brewer’s administration?
In the meantime, a CBS 5 investigation revealed that there is one business that could gain from the implementation of SB 1070 and similar immigration measures. The private prison industry houses illegal immigrant detainees for the federal government. Those companies could gain contracts with state and local agencies to house illegal immigrants arrested for state violations.
Corrections Corporation of America, or CCA, holds the federal contract to house detainees in Arizona. The company bills $11 million per month. CBS 5 Investigates has learned that two of Brewer’s top advisers have connections to CCA.Paul Senseman is the governor’s deputy chief of staff. He is also a former lobbyist for CCA. His wife is listed as a current lobbyist for the company.
Chuck Coughlin is one of the governor’s policy advisers and her campaign chairman. Coughlin’s company, HighGround Public Affairs Consultants, currently lobbies for CCA. (Source: Crooks And Liars)
It’s like she’s some sort of evil Golden Girl…
Thank you for being a FIEND!