Pearce: Papers Please

"Now if you were advising politicians on immigration matters, what lessons can be drawn from the sudden rise and precipitous fall of Russell Pearce?  He's the architect of Arizona's strict immigration law, which fathered similar legislation in other states. But this maverick former sheriff, a darling of immigration hardliners, was given the boot by voters in a recall election on Tuesday. And yes, the recall was prompted by the very thing that made him famous.  What gives?  The business community was instrumental in this turnaround. At one point, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Pearce urging him to leave immigration management to the federal government. The letter was signed by 60 CEOs from around the state.  [W]hen you lose the business community, which Pearce did by staking such an extreme position, the big loss at the ballot box is not far behind. A more moderate candidate on immigration, from your own party, will be far more appealing. Add to this formula the mobilization of Latino voters, in particular those who would not normally turn out to vote, and you have the recipe for defeat." - Gabriel Escobar, Editorial Writer, Dallas Morning News, Nov. 9, 2011.