Breaking from his ally Gov. Eliot Spitzer on a hot-button issue, rookie Democratic state Sen. Craig Johnson has essentially reinforced his earlier support for requiring either a Social Security number or substitute documentation for those applying for drivers' licenses. But he adds some bitter words for those he charges are attempting to manipulate the issue for political purposes -- and says by the way that the Bush administration has failed to "deal with our nation's immigration problems in a rational, balanced and fair manner." For Johnson's full statement, hit the "continue-reading" bar right below. (One note: 'non citizens' have always been permitted to apply -- the question becomes whether they have legal immigration status).
Dan Janison
Statement from Senator Craig M. Johnson on the Governor's Plan to Grant Driver's Licenses to Non-Citizens:
"After a careful review of the governor's executive order to extend the right to apply for driver's licenses to non-citizens, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support it.
"I believe there are real ramifications to this plan that cannot be countenanced under current law.
"My main concern is that a driver's license creates a presumption of legal residency that can be used to gain access to rights and privileges to which legal residents are entitled.
"Let us be clear, however, that we have gotten to this point because of the abject failure of the Bush administration and Congressional Republicans to deal with our nation's immigration problems in a rational, balanced and fair manner.
"Similarly, I am offended with the fear mongering and demonization over this issue by Senate Republicans and their allies, who are playing a divisive game of race and ethnic politics in their efforts to create a wedge issue to help preserve their dwindling majority.
"If Joe Bruno and Joe Mondello were truly interested in the safety of our community, they would give back the funds they cut from programs that would make firefighters safer and help the Nassau County Probation Department better track dangerous criminals."
Comments (4)
Johnson is such an unkempt house ape. He does the right thing by expressing his opposition to Spitzer's DMV illegal alien motor vehicle executive order, and then calls the GOP racist. Man, talk about alienating everyone. Does this guy has his head up his butt or what?
The only right a D/L gives you is the right to drive. I have not seen a person given cash assistance, medicaid, financial aid or section 8 based on a drivers license.
Governor Spitzer got it right.
Mr. Johnson should pay a visit to the Department of Social Service, try to apply for benefits and see how far he can get based on a Drivers License alone.
Sabio
dm, before you start harassing a public official, you should get your tenses right.
Craig Johnson opposes the governor on LIRR third track, DMV licenses and consolidation of special districts (at least when those special districts are in his senate district). Why is it that Spitzer supported this pandering clown????