Voters Apoplectic Over… Traffic, Not Illegal Immigration
Our neighbors in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia went to the polls on Tuesday and regardless of which party they pulled the lever for, efforts to frame the election around opposition to undocumented immigration didn’t seem to catch on.
“Voters across Virginia chose candidates in state and local elections yesterday not out of anger over illegal immigration,” the Washington Post reported, “but based on party affiliation, a preference for moderation and strong views on such key issues as residential growth and traffic congestion.”More from the Post:
Greg Blevins, a 17-year resident of Prince William, might have been a typical voter deciding yesterday’s crucial contests. Although concerned about enforcement of immigration law, Blevins said he voted for both Democrats and Republicans because his main concerns also include roads and schools, for which he is willing to pay higher taxes. “I want to see tax money spent where it is raised,” he said.
Immigration reform is a complex issue. Demonizing undocumented immigrants might get a candidate headlines, but it won’t guarantee votes. As the rhetoric surrounding immigration reaches a fevered pitch, voters are asking for cooler heads to prevail… and to focus on what really matters: that darn traffic.