PenceBlog: <b><i>The Republic:</i> White House meeting demonstrates respect Pence has gained among Washington power-brokers</b> - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence : 6th District Of Indiana

Congressman Pence's hometown newspaper, The Republic, published this editorial praising the Congressman's efforts in the immigration debate. (Please note a subscription is required to view this article.)

Here are two excerpts:

"Still, the importance of the session can’t be overstated, especially in an assessment of the rising-star status of the young congressman.

"His position on the troubling immigration issue — parts of which have been deemed unrealistic by some critics — has put him in the forefront of the national debate and established his already solid credentials as a leader among congressional conservatives.

"That he would be asked to discuss his opinions with the top men in the Bush administration (the 20 minutes originally scheduled were expanded to 40) is a clear indication of just how far he has come on the national stage.

"Moreover, the adherence to his original position in the face of a counter opinion by the president of the United States demonstrated a respect few in Washington can achieve."

***

"Pence proposes centers outside the country where potential immigrants can apply for entry as guest workers.

"He would also require that anyone here illegally would have to leave the country before applying for the program.

"That’s the part critics contend is unrealistic, suggesting that few would put themselves in such a position.

"In most cases the president’s will would prevail, but Pence’s plan and the respect in which he is held suggest that a compromise closer to his position could be worked out.

"Not bad for a kid from Columbus."

posted by Pence Press Office # 6:39 AM