Congressman Scott Murphy and his challenger, Republican Chris Gibson, have similar things to say about illegal immigration. After an appearance at a joint meeting of local chambers of commerce, Murphy said he understands why Arizona enacted a law that gives police power to question anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally and makes failing to carry immigration papers a crime. “They acted independently because there is no federal policy that works. We can’t have 50 states with different policies, we need immigration reform. I’m hopeful, but not optimistic,” Murphy said. He would not comment on criticism of the law that it is racist. Yesterday, the Gibson campaign released a statement criticizing the U.S. Justice Department for suing Arizona and calling the law unconstitutional. “This lawsuit is a misguided effort by the federal government. Our federal government has continually failed to provide leadership in securing our borders. Since the federal government has failed, it is only natural that the state of Arizona steps up to protect its borders,” Gibson [who lives in Kinderhook] said. Read the entire story at Capitol Confidential.