Zelenik tells Sen. Black and Sen. Tracy to Stop "Playing Politics" on Illegal Immigration
Posted: 2010-06-04 by VoteLouAnn
TN 6th District Congressional Candidate Lou Ann Zelenik has blasted the "political games" by state senators Diane Black and Jim Tracy in their handling of legislation aimed at requiring local law enforcement agencies to report illegals to the federal government (ICE) when they are arrested for other crimes.
Murfreesboro TN -- TN 6th District Congressional Candidate Lou Ann Zelenik has blasted the "political games" by state senators Diane Black and Jim Tracy in their handling of legislation aimed at requiring local law enforcement agencies to report illegals to the federal government (ICE) when they are arrested for other crimes. Senate Bill 1141 has been subjected to numerous amendments that have delayed its passage.
Zelenik's campaign manager, Jay Heine, said in a prepared statement, "While illegal immigration increases crime, healthcare costs, and continue to take a toll on the ability of local governments to withstand the costs, Ms. Black and Mr. Tracy have decided to play 'gotcha' politics in the senate. Ms. Black saw fit to exclude certain counties from the enforcement requirement, while Mr. Tracy tried to exempt Rutherford and Bedford counties in order to protect illegals at the Tyson plant in Shelbyville [Mr. Tracy's hometown]. It was only after Mr. Tracy failed to pass his amendment that he decided it would be convenient to turn on Ms. Black. While it is apparent that Ms. Black is weak on immigration since she is on record as favoring the current anchor baby provisions in federal law, Mr. Tracy is simply showing his hypocrisy and willingness to mislead for political gain. Both of them are now scrambling to try to appear tough on illegal immigration as this information has gained more widespread notice. It is no surprise to me that these two cowardly politicians only decided to run for congress after Bart Gordon announced his retirement. If they don't have the courage to be honest and forthright in Tennessee, we can only imagine what Washington, D.C. would do to them."
Lou Ann Zelenik has made it clear from the very beginning that she favors a tough, no-holds-barred approach to dealing with illegal immigration. Zelenik stated, "I stand with Arizona and it is shame that Arizona has to pass a law to tell the federal government to enforce the laws. I want our local authorities to be able to arrest and detain illegals so that they will be deported. As a business owner I checked and verified the status of my employees. I am ashamed that Sen. Tracy and Sen. Black have attempted to exempt the counties they represent from enforcement because of the 'cost.' If it is going to cost so much to enforce the laws because of the numbers of illegals, imagine the burden on our schools, hospitals and law enforcement agencies."
Zelenik is campaigning for the GOP nomination in Tennessee's sixth congressional district. It has been held by long time Democrat Congressman Bart Gordon, who announced his retirement late last year. Zelenik is a Murfreesboro businesswoman, former Chair of the Rutherford County GOP, and a leader in the Middle Tennessee Tea Party movement. She announced her candidacy last fall, and Gordon announced his retirement shortly afterwards."
Anyone interested in her campaign can stop by the headquarters at 416B Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro TN, 37129 or call (615) 962-7716.
For more information on Lou Ann Zelenik please check out www.VoteLouAnn.com
