Over the objections of the President of the United States, and a wide array of police, civil rights and religious groups and leaders, Governor Jan Bewer is expected to announce the signing of Russell Pearce's bigot bill SB 1070 at 1:30 p.m. today.
Brewer just called a press conference for that time at the Arizona Department of Transportation Human Resource Development Center on 22nd Avenue to "announce her decision on SB 1070."Only credentialed media are being allowed in.
Sources say the Governor's staff has been spooked by security concerns, which is why it's not taking place at the Governor's office at the Capitol, where throngs of protesters have gathered.
Last night, the Governor stomped out of an event for the Hispanic group Chicanos Por La Causa to the cries of "Veto the bill" by the audience.
If she signs it, she will appease her Republican base, but earn the enmity of nearly every Latino in the state, along with everyone else who has opposed this bill inside and outside Arizona.
The new law would go into effect 90 days after the state legislature calls sine die. Various civil rights organizations are anticipated to challenge it in federal court. Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva has called for a boycott of the state unless Brewer vetoes it.
Stay tuned. I'll report after the presser on what goes down.
