Tuesday night, Gov. Matt Blunt’s communications chief, Rich Chrismer,  issued the following statement in response to comments that the likely Democratic nominee, Attorney General Jay Nixon, made at a union rally in the afternoon that were critical of the governor’s record on illegal immigration:

         “ ‘Jay Nixon’s assertion that this Administration has done nothing to help fight illegal immigration is false,’ ” Chrismer’s statement said.

“The Missouri Department of Labor helps enforce our laws against illegal immigration and they have a team that investigates and reports suspected illegal immigrants.  In fact, a recent investigation by the department helped federal authorities uncover a scheme by seven people to use fraudulent Social Security numbers to allow illegal immigrants to work at a Kirksville restaurant.

“ ‘Gov. Blunt has achieved more to fight illegal immigration in less than a year with his tough directives than Jay Nixon has done during his entire career as attorney general.  The governor’s directives, for example, have led to the detention of 235 illegal immigrants.  Gov. Blunt has also increased funding for state law enforcement, created and funded the Missouri Information Analysis Center, ousted a state contractor who hired illegals and has called on the General Assembly to enact some of the nation’s toughest laws to fight illegal immigration.

“ ‘Additionally, Jay Nixon has served on the Missouri Housing Development Commission for 15-years and yet Gov. Blunt has led the way for changes to prevent tax credits from going to contractors who hire illegal immigrants and pushed to establish penalties, of up to a lifetime ban, for employers receiving state tax credits who hire illegal immigrants.

“ ‘Jay Nixon can make as many false statements as he would like to his union boss supporters, but he cannot hide from his own record of ignoring the problem of illegal immigration.’ ”

UPDATE –

 Here’s Wednesday afternoon’s reply from Nixon campaign spokesman Oren Shur:

 “Jay Nixon delivered a speech about protecting the rights of Missouri workers during these difficult economic times.  Missourians are worried about keeping their jobs, paying their bills and making ends meet.  Governor Blunt can launch political attacks until he’s blue in the face, but those petty attacks only serve to remind people why they’re ready for a new Governor who will change the way things are done around here.”