PRESS

DECEMBER 12, 2007 - Dean Calls for Challengers to Show Leadership on Illegal Immigration

The following letter was sent to Maine's 1st District Congressional Candidates via e-mail and traditional mail. Recipients include Senator Chellie Pingree, Senator Ethan Strimling, Senator Michael Brennan, District Attorney Mark Lawrence, Adam Cote and Senator Charles Summers.

Fellow 1st District Congressional Candidates:

Last week, I issued a press release calling upon Governor Baldacci to rescind Executive Order 13 FY 04/05, issued on April 9, 2004, entitled "An Order Concerning Access to State Services by All Entitled Maine Residents". The Governor's Executive Order allows illegal aliens to obtain Maine driver's licenses.

As I travel the campaign trail, illegal immigration is the issue at the forefront of most voters' minds. Mainers feel that the federal government has let them down on this issue by failing to secure our borders and pass comprehensive immigration reform during the last legislative session.

Even more discouraging is the fact that Governor Baldacci is exacerbating the problem by creating a sanctuary state for illegal aliens, allowing them to access social services at the expense of Maine's taxpayers.

As candidates for Maine's 1st Congressional District seat, we have an obligation to Maine's citizens to provide leadership on this critical issue. This is an issue that cuts across party lines and allows for consensus-based solutions.

I believe that the first step towards eliminating Maine's status as a sanctuary state for illegal aliens is to rescind Executive Order 13 FY 04/05. As of this morning, I have received no response from Governor Baldacci; but I am one candidate in a crowded field of Congressional contenders.

I am asking you to join my call to Governor Baldacci to rescind his Executive Order. I think we can agree that Maine's status as a sanctuary state is a threat to our national security and an additional undue burden on Maine's taxpayers.

I have created an online petition on my campaign website, www.teamdean08.com. Over 500 people have signed on in just the last few days, and I simply ask that you join my call for a common-sense solution to this problem by signing the petition as well.

We have an opportunity to show Maine's citizens that their next member of Congress, regardless of who they are or what their party affiliation is, is not afraid to address tough issues head on with action, and not just empty rhetoric. We owe Mainers some real leadership on this issue.

I respectfully await your response,

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