In a 2006 interview, Pat McCrory said he did not know if illegal immigrants helped build the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
Bob Orr, a rival for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, cited the interview at a press conference today, arguing McCrory's record did not match his rhetoric on illegal immigration.
Here's what McCrory said in a June 4 interview with the Charlotte Observer:
Do you think illegal immigrants contributed to the construction of the Bobcats arena?
I don't know. I would make the assumption that they did. I don't know if the contractors that we hired would agree to that or not. Not all contractors are doing it.
How about the NASCAR Hall of Fame? Do you think the city can meet the $150 million budget without illegal immigrant workers?
I don't know. I would hope so. I think it could be. I'm making an assumption that the contractors we hire would be following the law.
What about you personally? Do you have any help around your home?
I have had a Hispanic worker who was born in the United States and is legal, speaks good English and Spanish, who went to the University of Texas and graduated in engineering, work at my house in the past. I'm not aware of any illegal work that has been done at my house.
