To the editor:

After watching Republican challenger Kris Kobach’s speech on TV to the Republican National Convention, I was left with the impression that Mr. Kobach believes that illegal immigration is a liberal vs. conservative issue. Nothing could be further from the truth! Notable conservatives such as President Bush, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, all have played “border politics,” and increasingly so after 9-11.

Notable Democrats such as Rep. Mel Watt of North Carolina, and Rep. Maxine Waters of California, have opposed illegal immigration and/or visa-free travel by foreigners into the United States.

Notable Republicans, such as Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas and Sen. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, both oppose illegal immigration.

While Mr. Kobach believes that securing our nation’s borders is necessary in order to succeed in fighting the war on terror and trafficking of drugs, is such a plan realistic?

After all, how many of our “vote-thirsty” politicians are going to support such a proposal?

Robert Hinton,

Lawrence