California Immigration Attorney Blog

Having survived the Republican primary by trotting out the ghost of California's anti-immigration past, Gubernatorial Candidate Meg Whitman is now singing a different tune ... en Espanol.

As our Los Angeles immigration lawyers reported on our California Immigration Attorney Blog, during the primary Whitman combated Poizner's anti-immigration stance by trotting out former Gov. Pete Wilson, who said "Meg will be tough as nails on illegal immigration."

Wilson rode the state's anti-immigration frenzy into office more than a decade ago and was involved in the state's Proposition 187 initiative, which attempted to deny educational and social services to illegal immigrants until it was ruled unconstitutional by the federal court.

But our Costa Mesa immigration attorneys continue to report one clear fact: It is unlikely that Whitman can win statewide office without the support of the enormous Hispanic vote. Voter activism is one reason for the mellowing of California's political climate when it comes to immigration. And, with the Republican primary now behind her, it seems Whitman is dancing to a different tune ... one with a decidedly Latin flare.

The Auburn Journal reports that Whitman needs at least 30 percent of the Latino vote to win. The Hispanic population controls over 20 percent of the total electorate and Whitman's reputation among those voters is decidedly shaky. As is the reputation of most Republicans. "This issue is killing the Republican Party," said Republican Strategist Allan Hoffenblum, of the perception of the GOP within the Latino community.

Now Whitman has released two expensive Spanish language ads. One highlights her opposition to the controversial Arizona law and says she opposed Proposition 187. The other focuses on jobs for Latinos.

The reference to Proposition 187 is particularly hypocritical, having invoked it with the help of former Gov. Wilson during the primary. And she has said she opposed Arizona's law because she had a tougher plan in mind.