In the town of Herndon, the mayoral race could turn on a day-labor center opened by the city late last year. Before the official center opened, day laborers would gather in the parking lot of a 7-11 to look for work. Many of the laborers are believed to be illegal immigrants, and some residents said the city had no business making it easier for them to find work.
Herndon Mayor Michael O'Reilly supported the center. His challenger is a local resident who vocally opposed it. If O'Reilly loses, it will likely be blamed on his support of the day-labor facility.
Jonathan Walters' cover story in the May issue of Governing explores the issue of day laborers, and how localities around the country are trying to get a handle on the situation.
