BREAKING: Obama Administration Will Challenge Arizona Immigration Law

[impik]

As Hotsheet reported yesterday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a television interview in Ecuador this month that the Obama Justice Department "will be bringing a lawsuit" against the controversial Arizona immigration measure signed into law earlier this year.


The comment was striking because both President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder had said only that the administration was considering a suit. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer called Clinton's comments stunning and added that "to learn of this lawsuit through an Ecuadorean interview with the secretary of state is just outrageous."


It was unclear yesterday whether Clinton's comments were simply a prediction or mistake or whether instead she was getting ahead of a planned announcement by the administration.


Now a senior administration official tells CBS News that the federal government will indeed formally challenge the law when Justice Department lawyers are finished building the case. The official said Justice is still working on building the case.


Contacted about Clinton's comments today, State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said they reflected her beliefs.


"The Secretary was asked about the Arizona law during a TV interview in Ecuador," he said. "She believes that a better approach is comprehensive immigration reform, and said so. Regarding how far along the legal review is, that is a matter for the Department of Justice."


The Arizona law, which would go into effect in July, requires immigrants in the state to carry documents verifying their immigration status and requires police officers to question a person about his or her immigration status during a "lawful stop" if there is "reasonable suspicion" that person may be in the country illegally.



http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20008171-503544.html

[hughee99]

1. Why is this coming from Hillary?

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad and all, but why is this coming from the SoS and not the AG or the White House.

[marmar]

3. I'm assuming she was being asked about it in the Ecuadorian interview.

nt

[hughee99]

10. But after the interview (if it wasn't live) I'd assume the WH or AG

would want to make an official statement on it rather than having the SoS be the first one to put it out there.

[impik]

4. I don't think they wanted to announce it before there's actual a suit

Hillary probably just let it slip, so now it's out there. Good news, one way or another.

[hughee99]

There are many things I can believe, that Hillary accidentally "let it slip" isn't one of them. n/t

[marmar]

2. Sehr gut !!!!

Criticize when needed, but also give praise when warranted.

[jody]

5. Could HC be the designated voice to "Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes?" n/t

[damntexdem]

6. I also find it stunning, and hopeful.

Did Hillary force Obama and the AG's hands?

[impik]

9. You really think that what happened?

Wow. No credit to Obama no matter what, ah?

[dipsydoodle]

7. Breaking news

or breaking wind ?

[JitterbugPerfume]

8. Good for Hilary!

that law needs to be challenged .

[marmar]

13. Hillary has nothing to do with it, actually.....It's the Justice Dept.

nt

[Jamastiene]

11. Good. That law NEEDS to be challenged. n/t

[frylock]

12. good!

knr

[Phx_Dem]

14. And Gov. Brewer is fit to be tied, which makes it even sweeter!

I can't stomach that horrid woman.

:D

[golfguru]

15. Why is it taking so long to file the suit?

The Arizona law is only 10 pages long. Why is it taking several weeks
to decide whether a suit will be filed?

Also if the AZ law is basically same as existing federal statute, what are
the chances the courts will find it illegal. Looks like a waste of resources
to me.