Tom Emmer, Marty Seifert

On Minnesota Public Radio’s Midday program on Wednesday, Republican candidates for governor, Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert both said they supported Arizona’s new immigration law that directs police to check people for proof of citizenship. In fact, Emmer said it didn’t go far enough.

“I think what Arizona has done is a wonderful first step,” he said.

“I’m very disappointed at the federal government that seems to be now taking issue with the state of Arizona for doing what most of us expect should be done,” Emmer said. “Enforce the laws, and if you don’t like the laws, then change them.”

Seifert said he liked the Arizona law, among others.

“I like Oklahoma, I like Arizona. There’s a number states we are going to model legislation after and try to pass it.”