Is Rick Perry a Compassionate Conservative On Illegal Immigration?

Texas Governor Rick Perry has thrown his hat into the Presidential primary race with all the success he likely hoped for. I like Governor Perry and he has indeed shot to the top of the polls. Statesman.com reports, "Well, that was easy. Two weeks after announcing he'd seek the Republican presidential nomination, and just as the country is starting to pay attention, national and key state polls show Gov. Rick Perry has vaulted to the top of the GOP field."

But who is Rick Perry?


Governor Perry has accepted invitations to debates in Iowa and Florida. He will be tested on his political beliefs but more importantly on his actions and statements as Governor of Texas.


Conservatives are looking for the perfect candidate. That person does not exist. However, there are key issues facing America that are of broad concern to you and I. One of those is illegal aliens. Here in Florida illegals cost the state over $5 billion annually. Illegals are at the top of the list when it comes to taking advantage of free healthcare and public education. Illegals also fill Florida's jails costing taxpayers over $100 million annually. Every illegal alien is an unfunded liability to legal and naturalized Americans.


So where does Governor Perry stand on illegal immigration?


Is he tough on illegals or is he a compassionate conservative like George W. Bush on this issue? Debates have a way of making candidates either stand by what they said and did or shift like desert sands to gain votes.


Perhaps it is time to review this video of his public statements on securing America's borders and illegals:





I for one am not looking for a compassionate conservative. I am not seeking Bush Light. I do not want Obama like amnesty continued by a President Perry. I do not want pandering. I want a candidate who will uphold the U.S. Constitution. The illegals issue is key, Perry has taken a stand on it. Will he be principled and stick by his open borders position as governor? Or will he slip and slide away from this issue?


How he answers these questions is as important as the answer he gives. Perry is the proverbial new kid on the block; it is early and he could still fall from grace with conservatives. Immigration may be the topic which poses him the most risk.