"It's not your money, Mike..."

"...it's the taxpayers' money." In a recent Republican Presidential Debate, Mitt Romney defined an important difference between his position on immigration and Mike Huckabee's view.

The immigration issue is the hottest and most misunderstood of this campaign. Most Americans with immigration anxiety are not nativist as protrayed by the media and some presidential candidates. We understand that our freedoms and democracy are preserved by a system that respects the rule of law.

In fairness to Mr. Huckabee, federal lawmakers have failed to offer Americans meaningful resolution on the issue. As Arkansas governor, any change could only take place at the margins, not in comprehensive way. Mr. Huckabee acted in way that he thought was best for Arkansas. Republicans are fortunate to have a man with the integrity and compassion of Mike Huckabee as a part of this debate.

I look forward to Iowa Republicans examining Mitt Romney's respect for taxpaying citizens and respect for a system that is built upon the rule of law. They will then be able to contrast Mike Huckabee's casual use of taxpayer money whenever he determines "it's the right thing to do."