Gov. Richardson: Don't Build The Fence

Gov. Bill Richardson in New Mexico thinks he's going to become president by appealing to the illegal immigrant vote:

WASHINGTON -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson says a fence at the Mexican border authorized by Congress this fall "gets in the way" of U.S.-Mexico relations, and he wants the new Democratic Congress to reverse the legislation.

"The fence is very unpopular on the border in Texas and New Mexico, in Chihuahua," Richardson, a Democrat, said after meeting Wednesday with leaders from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. "So one of the most significant and constructive acts the U.S. Congress should take is to get rid of it."

Richardson said he will call on Congress not to build the fence during an address Thursday. He also will press lawmakers to approve a bill that secures the border and provides a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. While Congress and President Bush approved the 700-mile border fence, a widely debated bill overhauling immigration policy died in Congress this year.

Both statements ratchet up Richardson's national profile as he weighs whether he will run for president.

Note to Gov. Richardson: Illegal immigrants can't vote, but American citizens can and they will not be impressed by your attempt to keep our borders an open highway for illegals, drugs, and potential terrorists. And by the way, why didn't you make this vigorous defense of illegal immigration during the election?