Pederson ad cites Bush to criticize Kyl

Two ads from Arizona Democratic Senate candidate Jim Pederson use President Bush and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to criticize Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) on immigration reform.

One ad shows Bush with Kyl and says, “Even President Bush calls Kyl’s immigration plan for massive deportation unrealistic.” Bush supports a guest-worker program, which Kyl opposes. The second ad quotes McCain saying Kyl’s plan “borders on fantasy.” McCain and Kyl were on opposite sides of the Senate battle on immigration reform last month.

In both ads, the quotes are followed by Pederson holding up a document titled the “Pederson Immigration Plan” and saying, “My plan is not amnesty; it’s realistic, and a long-term solution.”

Kyl’s campaign manager, Jake Logan, responded, “No one we know of is calling for massive deportation, and certainly nothing in the Kyl bill calls for massive deportation.” The Kyl bill would require “mandatory departure” for any illegal immigrants applying for guest-worker status.

“I am disappointed that my name is being used in an attack ad in this U.S. Senate race,” McCain said of the ad. “I continue to strongly support Jon Kyl and am proud to serve as his campaign chairman.”

A recent poll conducted by Arizona State University shows that the race is tightening, with Kyl up 11 percentage points over Pederson, 42-31, and 27 percent undecided. Three months ago, Kyl was up 22 points.