Jan Brewer Not Planning to Testify Before Senate Subcommittee on SB 1070, but Russell Pearce Raises His Hand

By Matthew Hendley Fri., Mar. 2 2012 at 11:29 AM

Russell Pearce would like some attention, please.

New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer sent a letter to Governor Jan Brewer last week, asking her to give testimony before his Senate Subcommittee on Immigration about Senate Bill 1070.

Schumer's office said the point of Brewer's testimony would be "to hear whether she still believes the law to be necessary given the gains made in securing the nation's southwestern border."

The governor's spokesman proclaimed the invitation was just a "publicity stunt," which sounds like the governor's appearance at the hearing will be a no-go.

Ousted Senate President Russell Pearce, however, is willing to take her place.

Pearce reportedly told Valley reporter Howie Fischer he doesn't care if Schumer's just trying to score political points, he's the guy Schumer should be going to for testimony anyway.

"I know every section of the bill," Pearce told Fischer. "There's nobody better to explain it to them."

Schumer's request to Brewer asks the governor to testify about whether she thinks SB 1070 is still necessary.

The letter cites the increased federal funding for border security and programs in legislation Schumer passed in August 2010.

Here's exactly what Schumer said he wanted to hear from Brewer about:

Given the new level of security at our Southern Border as result of the August 2010 law, it would be extremely beneficial for the Committee to hear from you with regard to: 1) why you signed SB 1070 in 2010; 2) whether you still believe SB 1070 is necessary in light of the substantially increased security situation along our southern border; and 3) whether you favor SB 1070 being made a permanent law irrespective of whether conditions further improve along the southern border. We would also appreciate any other insight you can provide regarding the legality and prudence of enacting state immigration laws. As you frequently ask the President to visit the southern border to discuss border security, we expect that you will be eager to engage in a productive dialogue with the Congressional Committee responsible for acting upon any border security recommendations you provide.

Pearce apparently thinks that's applicable to him.

New Times asked Schumer's press aide a few days ago whether there had been any communication between the Senator's office and Pearce, but we received no response.

There's still some time to get someone to defend the law at the hearing, as it's scheduled for April 24 -- the day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on the law.

Tags:

charles schumer, immigration, jan brewer, russell pearce, sb 1070

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Stacy

yeah, like gov brewer doesn't engage in publicity stunts.. ha! She learned it from her idol, Arpaio. Look at what his publicity stunts do.. from the Great Chicken bust in Buckeye with Steven Seagal all the way to the Grand Birther Revelation.

shadeux14

What's up with Steven Seagal these days? The man is no saint, with reports of rapes and sexual assaults on women in his recent past. Despite being a crime fighter in Hollywood movies.

Guest23

What's up with shadew14 these days, he is still posting moronic comments and never seems to get a clue...perhaps he is only 14 years old but even that would be sad since i come across so many teens that age that are so much brighter.

Vicki

Yup, it is the reason Arizona is such a laughing stock. We have a small group of
maniac "leaders" whose hunger for self promotion along with the idea that AZ is
relevant to anything of real importance in this country. Leader of the pack is Joe
Arpaio with Jan Hasdid Brewer running second. This is what did pretty boy Paul
and Scotty in. it will backfire on the others someday. Oh and I would nominate
Steve Sendmefencemoney Smith of Maricopa as the newbie to the group, shameful all.