Why Arizona Loves Its Controversial Immigration Law

71% approve the harsh measure

Arizona's harsh anti-immigration law has drawn national controversy and even some boycotts against the state. But that hasn't stopped Arizonans from endorsing the measure. According to a new Rasmussen poll, 71% of respondents within the state support the immigration law, with 24% opposing. What should we make of those surprising numbers?

• The Growing Support in Arizona  Rasmussen reports that the state-wide support is up from 64% in April. "Now only 43% of Arizona voters are at least somewhat concerned that efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants also will end up violating the civil rights of some U.S. citizens, down seven points from the previous survey." In addition, "Despite boycotts by Los Angeles and Boston and threats from other cities, states and organizations, 47% of voters in Arizona think the new immigration law will be good for the state’s economy, up three points from late April."

• Arizona 'Digs In' Against Attacks  Conservative blogger John Hinderaker explains. "Repeated attacks on the citizens of Arizona by President Obama and many others have done nothing to dim Arizona's support for immigration law enforcement. On the contrary," he writes. " And Governor Jan Brewer has jumped out to a 13-point lead over her likely Democratic opponent, which means that she is doing far better with the electorate than--to take just one example--Barack Obama. That's not surprising; voters like executives who actually support and defend the people who elected them."

• Political Boon For AZ Gov. Jan Brewer  The L.A. Times' Andrew Malcolm reports how Brewer is running against Obama and Washington. "Brewer said: 'I keep questioning the fact of this continuation of misleading, I believe, the American public on the facts.' The governor claimed she has written Obama administration officials frequently seeking help securing the border with Mexico. She called it 'really frustrating' that there has been 'absolutely no response.' 'They stepped up,' she noted, 'They helped Texas. They helped California. And here we sit, the drug corner of the world. They need to step up and secure our borders.'"

• People Like State Sovereignty  Fox News' Dana Blanton reports, "Amid the ongoing controversy over Arizona's new immigration law, voters by a 2-to-1 margin think individual states should have the right to make their own immigration laws. And a majority of voters would like their own state to follow Arizona's lead."