Beauprez blasts Bush, Senate approach to illegals

Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 18, 2006 at midnight

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U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez denounced the Bush administration's approach to what he called an "invasion" by illegal immigrants, saying Thursday he is fed up with inaction in Washington.

"I'm frustrated with the administration and I'm extremely frustrated with Congress," said Beauprez, who is running for governor.

Beauprez's comments came during a hearing on illegal immigration at the Aurora Municipal Center. About 60 people turned out for the afternoon event, which followed a similar hearing in the morning in Lakewood.

Both the Senate and Bush administration support a plan establishing a path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. Beauprez supports a rival plan approved by the House that would force illegal immigrants to return to their home countries.

"I would describe what's going on as an invasion," said Beauprez of the millions of illegal immigrants in the country.

A spokesman for Democrat Bill Ritter, Beauprez's rival in the governor's race, scoffed at the hearings.

"It's pure political theater," said Evan Dreyer. "He's trying to hide the fact Congress has done nothing on illegal immigration. It's ludicrous."

Dreyer also was critical of the thousands of flyers Beauprez sent out announcing the hearings, saying they were little more than advertisements for his campaign.

"He's clearly abusing taxpayer funds to distribute thousands of pieces of campaign literature," said Dreyer.

Several members of the audience stood in line to speak after testimony was given at the hearings. One woman was applauded when she called for a "shoot to kill" order against illegal immigrants.

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