By DOUG IBENDAHL • December 4, 2012
A bill to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain an Illinois driver’s license passed the Illinois Senate today by a vote of 41 to 14. One Democrat voted “present.” The bill is SB957.
The 10 Republicans who joined the Democrats in rewarding non-citizens who are already breaking our laws, were: Bill Brady (Sponsor), Kirk Dillard, Tom Johnson, John Millner (Sponsor), Matt Murphy, Carole Pankau, Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (Sponsor), Sue Rezin, Ron Sandack (Sponsor), and Suzi Schmidt.
Two Republicans, Pamela Althoff and Dale Righter, took the ultimate lily-livered approach and just didn’t vote on the bill. That’s as bad as a “yes” vote.
Next time these 12 Republicans are up for reelection maybe they’ll be able to find some undocumented immigrants to volunteer on their campaigns. Hard to imagine any law abiding Republican would ever lift a finger for one of these goofs.
These lawmakers should also maybe call up former Democrat State Representative Derrick Smith and apologize. Smith was expelled from the Illinois House earlier this year after being indicted on federal charges. He has not yet gone to trial.
Sorry Derrick, if only you had originated from a different country and flagrantly violated a different federal law. Maybe instead of being disgraced, maybe your colleagues would hand you a reward too.
The bill now heads to the House where it has the strong support of House Minority “Leader” Tom Cross.
Doug Ibendahl is a Chicago Attorney and a former General Counsel of the Illinois Republican Party.
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