State Democrats work on immigration plank

YAKIMA -- After the state Republican Party's meltdown over immigration last week, Democrats at their state convention hope that a much less controversial platform for their party emerges.

A crowd of delegates flooded an immigration forum Friday as a panel of immigrants-rights advocates tried to reframe the issue, hoping Democrats would adopt a different, "less punitive" position when they vote today on a new party platform.

Republicans drew fire from many fronts last weekend when they adopted a plank in their platform that opposes granting U.S. citizenship to children born of illegal immigrants -- a lightning rod that Republican state Attorney General Rob McKenna described as unconstitutional.

Democratic state Party Chairman Dwight Pelz appeared on national television this week to condemn the GOP position.

"The Republicans adopted a very punitive position, blaming children for the larger social problems in immigration," Pelz said.

In contrast, he said his party is "comfortable with the (U.S.) Senate proposal that strengthens our borders, creates a path to citizenship and allows for the kind of guest-worker program that Washington state needs."

Luis Moscoso, state secretary for the state Democrats, organized the forum. He said he wants to tone down the discussion. Moscoso said the panel's goal was to inform delegates to "make sure that this problem doesn't continue to exacerbate the civil rights, the human rights, the health issues of immigrants."

"We want an open dialogue of this issue," he said. "People should not be fearful about engaging in the discussion."

Panel member Pramila Jayapal, executive director of the civil rights group Hate Free Zone, said she wanted to make sure delegates were better informed about immigration reform. She said policy-makers need to get beyond the rhetoric and misinformation that she says has fueled the debate so far. Her group opposes the Senate bill.

"A lot of the debate has focused on undocumented workers," she said. "That is one essential piece of comprehensive immigration reform. ... The Republicans' shrill response last week doesn't recognize the direction the majority of the country wants to go."

Pelz said Democrats will adopt a general immigration plank that is unlikely to generate division within the party. Though it is still being developed, he said it's safe to say: "We won't be troops in Lou Dobbs' xenophobic army," referring to CNN's outspoken commentator.

"Democrats stand for health care, education and jobs," he said. "And we want the U.S. to end its involvement in Iraq. ... This has got to be our year of transition where we end our involvement in Iraq."

In addition to all the liberal gabbing, eating and drinking to be had this weekend, Democrats had another reason to celebrate. They are finally emerging from a quagmire.

Pelz planned to announce that Democrats have retired the debt incurred during the $4.5 million legal battle over the 2004 gubernatorial election that put Christine Gregoire in office.

In this fall's election, the party is hoping to expand its majority in the Legislature. Democrats now have a 26-23 majority in the Senate.

But with two rural Democrats sometimes voting with Republicans, the majority is shaky at times and party leaders would be glad to strengthen their control. In the House they hold a 55-43 advantage.

P-I reporter Chris McGann can be reached at 360-943-3990 or chrismcgann@seattlepi.com.

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