Romney declines to take stand on Senate immigration bill

WASHINGTON --Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney isn't saying where he stands on a major Senate immigration reform plan that has sparked heated debate on Capitol Hill and across the nation in recent days.

Romney said Wednesday he wants to learn more about the details of the sweeping immigration reform measure that was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday.

"I'm not sufficiently aware of all the details of that bill to speak on that specific piece of legislation -- and I don't do that in my own state either," he said.

The legislation's most controversial provision would put millions of undocumented workers on a path toward citizenship if they met certain requirements. Some critics say the bill is tantamount to an amnesty program rewarding those who entered the country illegally.

Romney refused to comment specifically on the measure. Instead, he stressed he does not support "amnesty or amnesty-like" legislation.

"I don't want to see something .... that encourages people to come here illegally because they think that in the future everything's going to be forgiven and they will be able to stay here," said Romney.

The governor said he wants to see reforms that encourage illegal workers to register with the government, pay taxes and apply for citizenship.

"I don't believe in rounding up 11 million people and forcing them at gunpoint from our country," he said.

Romney, president of the Republican Governors Association, is considering a run for the GOP presidential nomination.

Meanwhile, one day after White House chief of staff Andrew Card's resignation was announced, Romney said he doubted Card would return to Massachusetts to run for office. Card is a Holbrook, Mass., native who has long had gubernatorial ambitions.

"I can't imagine him wanting to get into a political race now after what he's endured," Romney said. Card, famous for his long hours, has served in the White House job for more than five years.

Nonetheless, Romney said he would love to see Card challenge Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., or run for a job like state attorney general.

"I would welcome him back in Massachusetts, particularly in a political office," Romney said. "We have lots of vacant races ... We'd welcome him back to run in a race, but I'll be surprised if he takes me up on that offer."

Romney is not seeking re-election. But his Republican lieutenant governor, Kerry Healey is running for governor, as are two Democrats and one independent.