Like many other Arizona politicians, Governor Napolitano is a “Janet come lately” in addressing the problems facing Arizona that are caused by illegal immigration and an unsecured border.

Clearly, the popularity of Proposition 200 has motivated many politicians, including Ms. Napolitano, to stop ignoring the issue and get on board the illegal immigration bandwagon.

Ms. Napolitano, and presidential want-to-be, Senator John McCain, certainly want to downplay their strong opposition to passage of Prop. 200. Many Republican politicians, who wouldn’t touch the illegal immigration issue before passage of Proposition 200, are now championing the issue. These Janet, and, Johnny come latelys, should campaign for office with the slogan, “Politics before principle.”

One elected official didn’t just give lip service to the illegal immigration issue, he led the fight for passage of Proposition 200 before it was popular to do so. Regardless of whether you agree with him on any given issue or not, he has always fought for what he has felt was in the best interest of the people of Arizona, I’m referring to Rep. Russell Pearce, R-18, a man who puts “Principle before politics.”

Mr. Pearce is a true, principled conservative leader and the one thing that is still missing among the candidates for the office of governor in the Republican primary is a truly principled conservative leader to challenge Ms. Napolitiano in 2006.

As a citizen of Arizona, I call upon the Honorable Russell Pearce to enter the GOP primary for governor. The people of Arizona need his principled leadership, now.

Bob Haran

Phoenix