Ernest Istook Says Illegal Immigration Top Issue In Governorâ€™s Race

Tuesday, September 12th 2006, 3:08 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Republican gubernatorial nominee Ernest Istook said Tuesday that illegal immigration is the Number 1 issue with Oklahomans and he accuses Governor Brad Henry of failing to deal with it.

Istook says since he won the July 25th Republican primary he's traveled to 27 counties to listen to Oklahomans and he said Tuesday illegal immigration is easily the top issue on people's minds.

He says Oklahomans tell him they're angry over state benefits illegal immigrants are receiving and also are worried about the state economy.

Henry has said securing the nation's borders is the Number 1 issue in reducing illegal immigration and he's criticized Congress for failing to solve the problem of illegal immigrants.

Henry has also said he's called out state National Guard troops to assist in President Bush's plan to have the Guard patrol the US-Mexican Border.

Istook is giving up his seat in Congress to challenge Henry's bid for re-election.