Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas’ Statement on AZ House Passage of Strong Immigration Enforcement Bill


PHOENIX, April 13, 2010. Former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas issued the following statement in regard to today’s passage of a tough immigration enforcement bill (SB 1070) by the Arizona House of Representatives:
“I supported and advised the legislature about this important legislation while I was Maricopa County Attorney.  This bill would give state and local law enforcement officials important new tools for the fight against illegal immigration.  I strongly support its passage and look forward to defending the law in court next year should I be elected Attorney General."
Andrew Thomas is currently campaigning for Arizona Attorney General.

Thomas’ office successfully prosecuted the Baseline Killer and Serial Shooting suspects.  He is in favor of the death penalty and has been criticized by defense lawyers for his tough plea bargain policies.  He has tackled tough public corruption cases and led innovative programs to ensure better food safety and cracked down on graffiti and cruelty to animals


Thomas is a graduate of Harvard Law School.  Prior to serving as Maricopa County Attorney, Thomas served as an Assistant Attorney General for Arizona, Deputy Counsel and Criminal Justice Policy Advisor to the Governor, Special Assistant to the Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, and as Deputy County Attorney.  


During Thomas' time as Maricopa County Attorney, crime rates plummeted.  The 19 percent drop is more than twice the national rate of decline, and in despite of an 11 percent increase in the county's population during that time.  The illegal immigrant population has dropped by anywhere from 18 percent (Dept. of Homeland Security estimate) to 30 percent (Center for Immigration Studies estimate).  Like the fall in crime rates, this dramatic decline in illegal immigration is far greater than the average in the rest of the nation. 

For more information on Andrew Thomas, please go to www.ThomasforArizona.com.  To arrange interviews contact Jason Rose.
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PAID FOR BY THOMAS FOR ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERAL

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