Sensenbrenner Sends Letter to Howard Dean Regarding His Latest Personal Attack
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=48545Dean: Your Attacks Are Contrary to the Passionate - But Respectful - Political Debate the Public Deserves
"6/8/2005 1:54:00 PM
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To: National Desk
Contact: Jeff Lungren or Terry Shawn, 202-225-2492, both of the Committee on the Judiciary
WASHINGTON, June 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.) today sent a letter to Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean regarding his comments this morning on The Today Show.
During an interview with Matt Lauer this morning, Dr. Dean stated, "(T)hey (Republicans) are attacking immigrants: Two Republican congressmen, Jim Sensenbrenner and Tom Tancredo, have incredible anti-immigrant legislation."
Chairman Sensenbrenner's full letter is below.
June 8, 2005
Dr. Howard Dean
Chairman
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St., SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
Dear Dr. Dean:
I was extremely disappointed to hear of your latest outrageous political assault this morning on The Today Show. You accused me by name of "attacking immigrants" and having "incredible anti- immigrant legislation," an apparent reference to the REAL ID legislation that enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate as well as by the Bush Administration. By implication, the 42 House Democrats who voted for the REAL ID Act and Senate Democrats like Senator Byrd who proved invaluable in moving this antiterrorism legislation through the Senate are also guilty of "attacking immigrants."
The REAL ID legislation was in response to the 9/11 Commission's work and recommendations regarding securing our borders and improving identity document standards. Are 9/11 Commission members also guilty of attacking immigrants? Are the overwhelming majority of law-abiding Americans who want us to get some control of our porous borders also guilty of attacking immigrants?
In recent days, your delusional outbursts have forced senior members of your own party to distance themselves from your comments. While I agree with your acknowledgment that you're "not very dignified," I sincerely hope you refrain from further personal attacks. These attacks are contrary to the passionate - but respectful - political debate the public deserves.
Sincerely,
F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR
Chairman"