Democratic leaders ran for cover Monday from legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to vote in New York and become eligible for health and other benefits now reserved for citizens.
The measure — which also would allow undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses and even run for office — was introduced earlier this year by state Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) and Assemblyman Karim Camara (D-Brooklyn).
For some Dem incumbents, the issue was too sensitive to even discuss.
Gov. Cuomo declined requests for comment.
But his Republican opponent, Rob Astorino, pounced.
"Voting is a right reserved for citizens. Period," Astorino said. "And the Department of Homeland Security has clearly stated that driver's licenses were used by the 9/11 terrorists as identification cards that allowed them to operate invisibly on American soil. They must not fall into the wrong hands again."
Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins distanced herself from the legislation.
"Thousands of bills are introduced every year and only a fraction actually pass. The [Democratic] Conference has not discussed this bill," she said.
Even Mayor de Blasio, who approved a municipal ID card to aid undocumented immigrants, said Monday that he was merely "reviewing" the measure.
De Blasio previously had said he was "not comfortable" with giving non-citizens the right to vote.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan. was also non-committal. "We will discuss it with the members of our conference," said Silver's spokesman.
Lawmakers who attended a Brooklyn Democratic fund-raiser Monday morning were split.
"You have to be an American first,"" Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny (D-Brooklyn) said of voting rights.
Other legislators support giving equal rights to undocumented residents.
"I support anything that will help any human become a participant in the Democratic process," said Assembyman Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn.)
Sponsors say the plan's success hinges on Democrats wresting state Senate control from the GOP.
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