ARIZ., N.M., DECLARE EMERGENCIES

The governors of Arizona and New Mexico have declared states of
emergency along their southern borders, arguing that the federal
government hasn't done enough to combat drug trafficking, vandalism
and other crimes associated with illegal immigration from Mexico.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano took action Monday, funneling $1.5
million in state money to four border counties.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson acted last Friday after an aerial
border tour, pledging $1.75 million in emergency state funding, also
to four counties.

The governors, both Democrats, say the money will be used to add
police to border areas, pay overtime and purchase crime-deterring
equipment. They say the federal government should secure the border
and help pay state and local costs incurred from illegal immigration.

On Thursday, California's state Assembly leader, Fabian Nuez, called
on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to follow their lead.

"I'm not going to tolerate violent criminal activity," explains
Richardson, who says he didn't see any Border Patrol agents during
his helicopter tour. "That's what this undocumented criminal crisis
is breeding: illegal drug smuggling, kidnapping, trafficking of
people and narcotics."

The violence, fueled by warring drug cartels, prompted the State
Department earlier this year to warn American citizens considering
border visits.

Republican critics charge that the governors' declarations are
politically motivated. Bill Christiansen, executive director of the
Arizona Republican Party, says problems have been festering on the
border for years. "Why did it take (Napolitano) so long to get to the
point she's at?" he asks.

Roxanne Rivera, spokeswoman for the Republican Party of New Mexico,
says Richardson is trying to gain votes.

"He is being absolutely disingenuous with the citizens of my state,"
Rivera says. In declaring an emergency, she says, Richardson "has
finally come around to what Republicans in New Mexico have been
saying for a long time."

Richardson brushes aside the accusations. "This is just being a
governor, protecting my border and constituents," he says.

Earl Black, a political scientist at Rice University in Houston, says
the declarations show that concern over illegal immigration "cuts
across party lines."

"The problem has reached the point where those governors are getting
enough reaction from presumably their supporters as well as their
political opponents," Black says.