Many are having a difficult time believing Meg Whitman now that she’s embroiled in a “nanny scandal.” Given her blatant hypocrisy and deception as a candidate on where she stands on the issue of illegal immigration, is it any wonder?
As for the scandal, Whitman says she followed the law in hiring nanny Nicky Diaz Santillan, didn’t know she was here illegally and had to fire her when she found out. Diaz Santillan says Whitman employed her for nine years, knew she was here illegally since 2003, then threw her to the curb when Whitman was gearing up for the California governor’s race.
However the facts shake out in this drama, the facts are already in on Whitman’s truthiness regarding the larger issue at play here. Take a look this new America’s Voice fact sheet entitled “Whitman vs. Whitman on Immigration.” We report, you decide:
MEG WHITMAN ON A PATH TO LEGALIZATION
- October 2009: At a campaign stop in San Diego, near the U.S./Mexico border, Whitman calls for a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants, asking her audience: “Can we get a fair program where people stand at the back of the line, they pay a fine, they do some things that would ultimately allow a path to legalization?” (Sign On San Diego)
- September 2010: During her first debate against Democratic opponent Jerry Brown, Whitman announces her opposition to “a path to legalization” for undocumented immigrants. (Sacramento Bee)
MEG WHITMAN ON PROPOSITION 187
- February 2009: Whitman announces that former Governor Pete Wilson will serve as her campaign manager. Wilson championed California Proposition 187 in 1994, which would have kept undocumented immigrants from enrolling in public school or using other public services. The proposition passed, but was struck down by the courts. (Meg Whitman for Governor)
- November 2009: In front of an audience of Latino supporters at a campaign appearance in South El Monte, Whitman apologizes on behalf of the Republican Party for Proposition 187. She says: “We must provide services to children and health care services. It's the right thing to do and was well decided by the courts. I think it has had an overhang on the Republican Party and I am sorry about that. We need to move beyond that.” (San Gabriel Valley Tribune)
- May 2010: In her radio ad “Tough As Nails,” Whitman says that “illegal immigrants should not expect benefits from the State of California”—endorsing the principle behind Proposition 187. The ad also features Pete Wilson, who says, “I know how important it is to stop illegal immigration, and I know Meg Whitman. Meg will be tough as nails on illegal immigration.” (Los Angeles Times, YouTube)
MEG WHITMAN ON THE ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW, SB 1070
- June 2010: Whitman releases 2 Spanish-language television ads during the World Cup to appeal to Latino voters. The ads say, “She respects our community. She’s the Republican who opposes the Arizona law, and she opposed Proposition 187.” (Sacramento Bee, YouTube)
- July 2010: On a radio talk show appearance, Whitman says: “I would let the Arizona law stand for Arizona. [...] My view is you gotta let the states do what they gotta do until the federal government proves they can secure these borders.” (Sacramento Bee, Wonk Room)
- August 2010: On another appearance on a radio show, Whitman says, “I oppose the Arizona law — have from the beginning.” (Wonk Room)
It just might be that Meg Whitman is telling the truth about the latest "nanny scandal." But given her lack of truth-telling on the immigration issue, it’s no wonder so many people have their doubts.