Oregon Senator’s Business and Undocumented Workers

According to Rachel Wright of Web Editorial, Beth Slovic of Willamette Week (Portland, Ore.) investigated the hiring practices of Smith Frozen Foods. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., “the only Republican senator representing a West Coast state,” has owned the plant for almost 30 years. He is a strong advocate against hiring undocumented immigrants. But, Slovic reports he has hired undocumented immigrants over the years.

Slovic writes: “Knowingly hiring undocumented workers is a violation of federal law. Perhaps most important, during a year when Smith is seeking re-election, it is at odds with the senator’s public statements on the explosive issue of illegal immigration.”

Link to the story: http://wweek.com/editorial/3444/11499/

Follow the development of the story at wweek.com/wwire.

Slovic and Smith were interviewed by conservative radio host Lars Larson, http://wweek.com/wwire/?p=13095. And, Smith has declined a debate against Rep. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., http://wweek.com/wwire/? p=13098.

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