WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. By John F. Bailey. November 10, 2007:  A spokesperson from the Governor's Press Office told WPCNR she could not confirm the statement Governor Eliot Spitzer was reported to have said to a New York Times reporter in San Juan, Puerto Rico Friday, indicating the governor thought licensing illegal aliens was "the right idea from a security perspective. We'll wait and see."

In the meantime, the issuing of licenses to illegals is being delayed indefinitely, the spokesperson indicated saying the program would not be implemented until later next year.

Christine Pritchard of the Governor's press office said she was not in Puerto Rico and could not confirm anything on the Governor's reported conciliatory position, though she said, "I am very well aware of it (the story). I know that the administration plans to move forward with the drivers license plan."

WPCNR asked if the plan for licensing persons denied licenses by the state by the Pataki Administration in 2001, (those expected to be issued licenses first in the Governor's program) would be implemented as originally scheduled in December.

She said: "Because we entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to move forward with drivers licenses that comply with the federal REAL ID act those plans are actually put off until later next year. We're waiting for the Feds to promulgate their final regulations on REAL ID then we'll move forward with implementing those plans, then move forward with  the licensing plan for those who want a drivers license that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, those who want a federally approved Drivers License under the REAL ID act, then  a basic New York State Drivers License."

Asked if this meant the those here in the state illegally would be issued licenses, she replied "We still plan to provide drivers licenses to those individuals."

The license issued to illegals, though, according to the agreement struck between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the state, announced last week by Michael Chertoff and Governer Spitzer would require that persons in the state illegal would be issued a New York State Drivers License which would say "Not for U.S. Government Purposes" on it.

Law Suit Will Be Contested.

Asked if the state if the governor's office has any reaction to the lawsuit filed  October 31 in Suffolk County challenging the legality to issue licenses to those without social security numbers, which Department of Motor Vehicle Law and NY Vehicle & Traffic Law forbids. The suit also contests the Governor's and the Commissioner of Motor Vehcile constitutionality of implementing the policy without approval of the legislature.

Pritchard said, "We are confident in our legal division, and confident we will prevail in court."

Asked when the license plan the governor proposes might be put in effect, Pritchard said, "Sometime later next year. I don't have any more information for you."