Dave Brat: Eric Cantor flip-flops on immigration, amnesty

Eric Cantor is displaying textbook election year politics – the hallmark of a career politician. Where has Eric been on amnesty? He has repeatedly supported measures designed to legalize those who are here illegally. That is amnesty in the purest form.

We must elect representatives that stand upon principle and do not waiver for political convenience. Eric Cantor seemed content to allow our military to be used as a vehicle for granting amnesty to illegal immigrants until he saw my primary challenge and principled conservatives stand on Amnesty. Conservative constituents in the District are overwhelmingly opposed to Amnesty but their voice was ignored. But for a primary challenge, Eric changes course.

Most readers have by now confirmed that Eric’s negative ads lie about my service to the Commonwealth. Are conservatives now to believe that Eric has really changed his mind on Amnesty? Eric is losing trust across the District and that trust matters.

We need leaders who will stand up for Virginia and for the country, no matter when the next election is. Amnesty will further weaken our labor markets, lower the wages of the working class, and take jobs away from those who have suffered over the past seven years. We are a nation of laws. illegal immigration affects our sovereignty, our national security, and our economy. It is true that we are a nation of immigrants, and legal immigrants from all over the world are welcome in America, but we are an exceptional nation in the first place precisely because we are a nation of laws.

This comes on the heels of Eric Cantor’s sudden support for an investigation of Benghazi. He had been silent on this crucial matter for nearly two years, has not signed on to HR. 36, and was not leading as he should have until pressured into taking a stand because of my primary challenge. Judicial Watch took the true lead on this matter and Eric now has the nerve to try and take credit for their principled and determined investigation.

If elected, I pledge to do what is right for the people of Virginia at all times, not merely when it is convenient for politics. I pledge to stand upon principle and faith and be and advocate for the people at all times. As your Congressman, I will pledge to hold regular town hall meetings, at least one every month. That is the duty I owe you as your next Representative.

Dave Brat is a candidate for the Seventh District Republican congressional nomination.