O’Rourke discusses need for collaboration on immigration

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke speaks at a town hall event Aug. 30, 2018, at the Grand Texan Hotel Convention Center in Midland, Texas. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke speaks at a town hall event Aug. 30, 2018, at the Grand Texan Hotel Convention Center in Midland, Texas. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram Photo: James Durbin Photo: James Durbin Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close O’Rourke discusses need for collaboration on immigration 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke on Thursday continued his 34-day tour across Texas with a stop in Midland. He described to about 500 people his interest in facilitating collaborative immigration reform.

O’Rourke, a Democratic U.S. congressman from El Paso, said the country should be vigilant to protect from trafficking. He referred to his work with Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn on legislation to increase staffing at points of entry.

O’Rourke also told those gathered at the Grand Texan Hotel and Convention Center that he opposes a wall between the United States and Mexico.

“We will not be defined by walls,” the Democratic candidate said. “We will not be defined on Muslim bans or bans of any people of one religion from this country that is comprised of people from all religions, all walks of life, all parts of the planet successfully integrated here.”

O’Rourke offered comments and answered questions about various topics during Thursday’s town-hall style campaign stop. He recently visited Odessa and plans to continue hearing from Texas residents.

“There are fewer than two months left before the first vote is cast in the most important election of our lifetimes,” O’Rourke said before the event. “We want to make sure that everyone can make that informed decision.”

During the town hall’s comment period, one resident mentioned that she will hold the candidate responsible for voicing constituents’ opinions if he is elected. O’Rourke has served in Congress since 2013 and said he has monthly public meetings for those he serves.

“It is only in that way that I can be held accountable — that you can keep me honest,” O’Rourke said.

The congressman is challenging U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who held a campaign event in Odessa on Saturday.

O’Rourke outraised his Republican opponent by more than $5 million during the last quarter, without taking money from political action committees. He reported garnering more than 214,000 contributions, with an average donation of $33.

“There’s just no ability to purchase access or to purchase outcomes,” O’Rourke said. “It’s just the … power of people.”

Also during the event, O’Rourke shared his thoughts about health care, mental health services and the prison system. Among those in attendance were candidates for local office as well as Jennie Lou Leeder, who is running to represent Texas’ 11th Congressional District.