Evangelicals Target Perry Over Immigration
SMU Political Science Professor Cal Jillson talks with KERA public radio about Hispanic reaction to Texas Gov. Rick Perry's sanctuary bill.
DALLAS, TX (KERA) - Some Hispanic Evangelical Ministers who have previously supported Rick Perry are organizing against him just as Perry considers a run for the White House. KERA's Shelley Kofler says Perry's sanctuary cities legislation is at issue.
Thursday night at a Dallas Hotel Pastor Lynn Godsey of Ennis lead some 80 Hispanic Evangelical Ministers and parishioners in Prayer.
They prayed in Spanish for divine support as they organize opposition to sanctuary city legislation Governor Perry has asked lawmakers to pass. . .
The sanctuary city legislation awaiting a vote in the Texas House would require cities to allow officers to ask people about their immigration status. Right now many police don't ask because they say that scares away individuals who might otherwise assist in solving serious crimes. . .
SMU Political Science Professor Cal Jillson says Republican candidates are typically getting about a third of the Hispanic vote. And while conservative Hispanics aren't single issue voters, Perry's sanctuary cities push might hurt him in a national campaign.
Jillson: "He ended up with a sanctuary cities bill that's pretty watered down. Since he didn't get very much out his sanctuary cities push I think he will conclude down the road that he should have left it alone because it does endanger that one third of the Hispanic vote that republicans usually get and he can't afford that."
Read the full story or listen to the broadcast.
# # #