Source:
ReutersPowerful business interests helped to scuttle proposed immigration restrictions in Texas on Wednesday, further evidence that
Republicans in some states are facing resistance among their own supporters to an immigration clampdown. Since Arizona enacted sweeping restrictions on immigration last year and blamed the federal government for failing to pass national reforms, civil rights activists have feared that the crackdown would spread across the country.
The "sanctuary cities" bill would have barred cities from stopping police departments from asking about immigration status of people who are detained or arrested....(It) was far less restrictive than the measure passed in Arizona, and
it was championed by Texas Republican Governor Rick Perry, who is considering running for president.
While Republican party infighting and rivalry between the two chambers of the legislature were factors in its demise,
shocked conservatives and Tea Party supporters blamed "Country Club" Republicans with close ties to business. "I don't, for one minute, blame the Democrats for this one," an angry Mike Openshaw, Texas Tea Party activist, told Reuters on Wednesday.
Another factor in the bill's demise may have been opposition from Texas law enforcement groups.
Read more:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/30/immigration-texas-idUSN1E75S29320110630
Sounds like "business interests", "civil rights activists", and "law enforcement groups" won this one over Perry, "shocked conservatives and Tea Party supporters". Hopefully, "Republican party infighting" will continue and intensify.