Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl condemned “acts of intimidation” that he claimed have been occurring in opposition to folks supporting a possible poll query that may search to repeal a brand new state legislation permitting unlawful immigrants to acquire driver’s licenses.
Diehl, a former state rep who helps the poll measure, mentioned in a Friday assertion that folks gathering signatures for it have been “heckled, intimidated and threatened” throughout the state.
In some circumstances, he mentioned protesters have been bodily combative and have tried to tear up signature papers, which he mentioned is “unacceptable” and “downright dangerous.”
Diehl known as for his Democratic opponent for governor, Attorney General Maura Healey, who supported the brand new legislation, to hitch him in condemning such alleged acts.
“Today, I am calling on Maura Healey to do her job and join with me in condemning attacks on people gathering signatures for a ballot question to repeal the law giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants,” Diehl mentioned.
“I support these signature gatherers’ right to exercise their political liberty free from intimidation, harassment, and physical violence. I expect Maura Healey — who is currently our state’s top law enforcement official — to do the same notwithstanding her personal political leanings.”
Healey declined remark by way of her press secretary from the lawyer common’s workplace.
The invoice to permit unlawful immigrants to acquire driver’s licenses in Massachusetts grew to become legislation final month after the state Senate voted to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto.
Baker has mentioned permitting the change would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to difficulty state credentials to folks with out the flexibility to confirm their identification.
The new legislation makes it so a normal Massachusetts driver’s license would not affirm that an individual is who they are saying they’re, Baker mentioned.
Proponents of the brand new legislation have framed the change as a matter of public security — they are saying a license proves folks’s potential to drive and would preserve roads safer.
Diehl mentioned in a Friday press launch mentioned he needed the signature collectors to know that he “has their back.”
“They believe, as do I, that this law will significantly undermine public safety in our Commonwealth and threaten the integrity of our elections,” he mentioned.
Diehl’s Republican main opponent, Chris Doughty, informed the Herald on Friday that he additionally condemns the intimidation, however took a shot at his challenger as properly.
“No one should be intimidated for being involved in the political process,” Doughty mentioned in a press release. “People have the best to have their voices heard. These forms of ways don’t belong in Massachusetts, which is the birthplace of democracy.
“However, the timing of this press release is suspect after his poor performance at the debate.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”