As more states consider copying Arizona’s harsh anti-immigration law, at least one state’s GOP leaders decided against taking a stance on the measure. The
“„Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, a conservative Republican who lost to Fiorina in the primary, said that by killing the immigration resolution Whitman and party leaders had picked a fight with their most dedicated activists. Indeed, delegates shouted and argued with each other outside a committee meeting Saturday, after the measure died.
“„“Don’t ask us to walk precincts but to shut up when we’re at our convention,” said delegate Karen England.
“„But Barajas said Republicans risked a continued slide if they fail to win over Latinos. About 31% of registered voters in California are Republican, down six points since 1994.
“„“Unless Republicans do that, we could put up a sign that says, ‘This way to the Whig party.’ ” he said.