Where US Senator Richard Burr, R-NC, stood last week on the immigration bill before the Senate depended on who he was talking to. On Friday, June 1, the Charlotte Observer reported that Burr was the only local Republican member of Congress who wouldn't take a stand on the controversial bill.

   A few days later, Burr was singing its praises to a group he spoke to at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, which is notoriously pro-immigration. The Chamber's blog contains this entry for June 4:

         "Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr spoke to a small group at the Charlotte Chamber about the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, among other issues.  The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (SB 1348) is the most comprehensive revision to the U.S. immigration policy in decades.  Senator Burr discussed how the bill would allow for new border security measures, new methods to identify illegal immigrants, create new classifications of visas and setup a temporary worker programs for bother (sic) those already in the U.S. and for future immigrants.  Senator Burr pledged to continue working on a compromise bill that will protect our country while not adversely affecting our economy." 

   Then on Thursday, June 7, Burr apparently stuck his finger in the air to see which way the immigration wind was blowing and voted against ending debate on the bill, which effectively killed it. The final tally was 50-45. In a press release on his website dated June 7 explaining why he voted to kill the bill, Burr sounds a very different tone than the one he used at the Chamber only days before. 

   "I believe that we should only permit those into our country who respect our laws, our system of government, and way of life. Immigrants should demonstrate their intentions of becoming productive, law-abiding members of our society as a condition for receiving citizenship," Burr said. "I will continue to oppose amnesty for the illegal immigrants living in the United States." 

    With immigration poised to make a comeback in the Senate, it's important to let Burr know which of his positions you want him to stick with. Email Sen. Burr here.