By: (AP) A congressman whose hard-line immigration stand has stirred disagreement among fellow Republicans said he will no longer talk to newspaper reporters.
Rep. Tom Tancredo will communicate with print journalists only through written statements but will still grant face-to-face interviews with radio and television reporters, spokeswoman Lara Kennedy said Monday.
Kennedy said she could not cite any specific news article that prompted the change.
Tancredo, an advocate for strict immigration controls, is seeking a third two-year term in the Nov. 5 election.
Last month, he demanded immigration officials deport Jesus Apodaca, who immigrated illegally from Mexico and went on to graduate with honors from Aurora Central High School. Tancredo learned of Apodaca from a story in
The Denver Post last month about laws preventing colleges from offering financial aid to illegal immigrants.
On Thursday, Colorado Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, also a Republican, introduced a bill in Congress to give Apodaca and his family permanent resident status.
Republican political consultant Katy Atkinson said she was surprised by Tancredo's announcement because he is known for openness. "Tom has always been more than willing to be incredibly candid with the press. I've seen him sit down and talk with the press about very sensitive issues. This is a real about-face," Atkinson said.
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