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== Early career and background ==
== Early career and background ==
Ball was born in Pawling, New York, and grew up on the Kennedy estate of Stephen and Jean Kennedy-Smith, sister of [[President of the United States|President]] [[John F. Kennedy]], where his parents were both caretakers.<ref name="feet">Klein, Benjamin. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1874&searchstr=Greg Ball Ball looks to hold people’s feet to the fire]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> He attended the prestigious Valley Forge Military Academy before receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy from Congresswoman [[Sue Kelly]].<ref name="officialbio"/> He was the first member of his family to attend college.<ref name="campaignbio">"[http://www.ball4ny.com/about.aspx About Greg]". ''[http://www.assemblymangball.com/ Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on [[February 24]], [[2008]].</ref> Ball received a Bachelors of Arts in Government in 2001.<ref name="officialbio"/> He is currently completing a Masters thesis in International Affairs at [[Georgetown University]], and was a fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency from 2002 to 2003.<ref>Henderson, Robert E., ed. "[http://www.thepresidency.org/Publications/fellowspublications.html A Dialogue on the Presidency with a New Generation of Leaders: Papers of the 2002-2003 Center Fellows]". Washington, DC: [http://www.thepresidency.org CSP], 2003.</ref> Ball is a board member of the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, and is a member of several area Chambers of Commerce and business associations.<ref>"[http://www.usafa.org/about/governance/BoardCommittees.aspx Committees of the Board]". ''[http://www.usafa.org Air Force Academy Association of Graduates]''. Retrieved on [[February 26]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Greene, Mae. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18784866&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Chamber of Commerce awardees]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. [[September 7]], [[2007]].</ref>
Ball was born in Pawling, New York, and grew up on the Kennedy estate of Stephen and Jean Kennedy-Smith, sister of [[President of the United States|President]] [[John F. Kennedy]], where his parents were both caretakers.<ref name="feet">Klein, Benjamin. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1874&searchstr=Greg%20Ball Ball looks to hold people’s feet to the fire]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> He attended the prestigious Valley Forge Military Academy before receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy from Congresswoman [[Sue Kelly]].<ref name="officialbio"/> He was the first member of his family to attend college.<ref name="campaignbio">"[http://www.ball4ny.com/about.aspx About Greg]". ''[http://www.assemblymangball.com/ Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on [[February 24]], [[2008]].</ref> Ball received a Bachelors of Arts in Government in 2001.<ref name="officialbio"/> He is currently completing a Masters thesis in International Affairs at [[Georgetown University]], and was a fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency from 2002 to 2003.<ref>Henderson, Robert E., ed. "[http://www.thepresidency.org/Publications/fellowspublications.html A Dialogue on the Presidency with a New Generation of Leaders: Papers of the 2002-2003 Center Fellows]". Washington, DC: [http://www.thepresidency.org CSP], 2003.</ref> Ball is a board member of the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, and is a member of several area Chambers of Commerce and business associations.<ref>"[http://www.usafa.org/about/governance/BoardCommittees.aspx Committees of the Board]". ''[http://www.usafa.org Air Force Academy Association of Graduates]''. Retrieved on [[February 26]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Greene, Mae. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18784866&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Chamber of Commerce awardees]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. [[September 7]], [[2007]].</ref>
Ball initially interned in the [[White House]] Drug Policy Office during the term of President [[Bill Clinton]] and was then assigned to the 11th Wing as a protocol officer to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff.<ref>"VOTER'S GUIDE: 99th state Assembly District". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[October 29]], [[2006]].</ref><ref>"I was honored to serve as Greg Ball’s mentor while he was in the U.S. Air Force. When Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the United States Air Force Academy, I was honored to pin on his rank and commission him as a young officer. As Greg excelled through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, I was honored to watch Greg perform as an outstanding young officer. Greg Ball graduated from the Air Force Academy, served in the White House Drug Policy Office, lived on Capitol Hill, and served in the 11th Wing in our Nation’s capital working directly for four star generals in the Pentagon and throughout the National Capitol Region. Few Lieutenants are chosen for such a demanding position."–[[Colonel|Col.]] Joseph P. Green, [[United States Air Force|USAF (Ret.)]], [http://www.newscopy.org/2006/06/99th_balls_mili.html E-Mail to Bob Fois]. [[June 6]], [[2006]].</ref> He was awarded an achievement medal for outstanding service by General John P. Jumper and was honorably discharged from active duty in January of 2005 at the rank of Captain.<ref name="officialbio"/><ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15827256&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Town of Pawling 2005 Year in Review]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. [[December 29]], [[2005]].</ref> Ball remains in the U.S. Air Force Ready Reserve.<ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17343190&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Community salutes military families]". ''[http://www.pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. [[December 20]], [[2006]].</ref>
Ball initially interned in the [[White House]] Drug Policy Office during the term of President [[Bill Clinton]] and was then assigned to the 11th Wing as a protocol officer to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff.<ref>"VOTER'S GUIDE: 99th state Assembly District". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[October 29]], [[2006]].</ref><ref>"I was honored to serve as Greg Ball’s mentor while he was in the U.S. Air Force. When Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the United States Air Force Academy, I was honored to pin on his rank and commission him as a young officer. As Greg excelled through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, I was honored to watch Greg perform as an outstanding young officer. Greg Ball graduated from the Air Force Academy, served in the White House Drug Policy Office, lived on Capitol Hill, and served in the 11th Wing in our Nation’s capital working directly for four star generals in the Pentagon and throughout the National Capitol Region. Few Lieutenants are chosen for such a demanding position."–[[Colonel|Col.]] Joseph P. Green, [[United States Air Force|USAF (Ret.)]], [http://www.newscopy.org/2006/06/99th_balls_mili.html E-Mail to Bob Fois]. [[June 6]], [[2006]].</ref> He was awarded an achievement medal for outstanding service by General John P. Jumper and was honorably discharged from active duty in January of 2005 at the rank of Captain.<ref name="officialbio"/><ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15827256&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Town of Pawling 2005 Year in Review]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. [[December 29]], [[2005]].</ref> Ball remains in the U.S. Air Force Ready Reserve.<ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17343190&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Community salutes military families]". ''[http://www.pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. [[December 20]], [[2006]].</ref>
===First term (2007 – )===
===First term (2007 – )===
Ball has stated that "since my election victory, we have made extraordinary progress by elevating the debate on tough issues like taxes, illegal immigration and dysfunction in Albany."<ref name="ruledout"/><ref>"GOP legislators tout 'Road to Reform'". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[April 21]], [[2007]].</ref> He was sworn into office on [[January 8]], [[2007]].<ref>Kramer, Catherine. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1851&searchstr=Greg Ball Democrats don’t have monopoly on reform]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. [[January 8]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"Valley Republicans take Assembly oath". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[January 3]], [[2007]].</ref> The first time Ball rose to speak in the Assembly chamber, he called the legislature "dysfunctional", and withstood boos from his colleagues.<ref>Hammond, Bill. "[http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2007/02/my-voice-will-be-heard.html My voice will be heard]". ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''. [[February 8]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>{{cite episode
Ball has stated that "since my election victory, we have made extraordinary progress by elevating the debate on tough issues like taxes, illegal immigration and dysfunction in Albany."<ref name="ruledout"/><ref>"GOP legislators tout 'Road to Reform'". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[April 21]], [[2007]].</ref> He was sworn into office on [[January 8]], [[2007]].<ref>Kramer, Catherine. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1851&searchstr=Greg%20Ball Democrats don’t have monopoly on reform]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. [[January 8]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"Valley Republicans take Assembly oath". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[January 3]], [[2007]].</ref> The first time Ball rose to speak in the Assembly chamber, he called the legislature "dysfunctional", and withstood boos from his colleagues.<ref>Hammond, Bill. "[http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2007/02/my-voice-will-be-heard.html My voice will be heard]". ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''. [[February 8]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>{{cite episode
| title = Joint Legislative Session
| title = Joint Legislative Session
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAojIFQczLA
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAojIFQczLA
====State and local tax reform====
====State and local tax reform====
Ball again joined Spitzer, this time calling for property tax reform, and proposed an inflation-indexed cap on spending and school andproperty tax increases known as the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act" similar to the measure adopted by [[Massachusetts]] and fourteen other states.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/01/10/ball-on-the-governors-address/ Ball on the Governors Address]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[January 10]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>"Governor missed golden opportunity to curb spending". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[April 6]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Lucas, Ashley. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=2564&searchstr=Greg Ball Assembly GOP hears residents on taxing issues]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. [[June 18]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2364 School tax reform gains steam]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. [[May 30]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball has proposed measures to cap or eliminate the state sales tax on gasoline, and voted for the measure signed by Governor Spitzer to reform the State Budget process with more openness and transparency.<ref name="greenstock"/><ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099&sh=story&story=20999 Ball Keeps His Promise – Eliminates Pork Barrel and Reforms Budget Process]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. [[January 25]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A02755 Bill Summary - A02755]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on [[March 23]], [[2008]].</ref>
Ball again joined Spitzer, this time calling for property tax reform, and proposed an inflation-indexed cap on spending and school andproperty tax increases known as the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act" similar to the measure adopted by [[Massachusetts]] and fourteen other states.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/01/10/ball-on-the-governors-address/ Ball on the Governors Address]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[January 10]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>"Governor missed golden opportunity to curb spending". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[April 6]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Lucas, Ashley. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=2564&searchstr=Greg%20Ball Assembly GOP hears residents on taxing issues]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. [[June 18]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2364 School tax reform gains steam]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. [[May 30]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball has proposed measures to cap or eliminate the state sales tax on gasoline, and voted for the measure signed by Governor Spitzer to reform the State Budget process with more openness and transparency.<ref name="greenstock"/><ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099&sh=story&story=20999 Ball Keeps His Promise – Eliminates Pork Barrel and Reforms Budget Process]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. [[January 25]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A02755 Bill Summary - A02755]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on [[March 23]], [[2008]].</ref>
He has voted dozens of times against any bill that proposes tax increases, including opposition a measure to raise the Putnam County sales tax by half a percent from 3.5% to 4% that was supported by State Senator Vincent Leibell, a fellow local legislator.<ref>Matthews, Cara. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/21/raging-against-the-machine/ Raging against the machine]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[June 21]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball was also dismayed when asked by Putnam county legislators to carry a bill to Albany during the 2007 county "budget crisis"<ref name="taxcrisis1">Elan, Susan. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/24/ball-calls-putnam-budget-crisis-forum/ Ball calls Putnam budget crisis forum]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[April 24]], [[2007]].</ref>, requesting a sales tax increase to 8.375%, which County Executive Robert Bondi, a fellow Republican, claimed was necessary to ward off a projected 66% property tax increase.<ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0502/front_page/001.html Legislature Considers Alternatives Should Sales Tax Renewal and Increase Fall Through]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[May 2]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0509/front_page/001.html County Legislator O'Dell's Commission for Fiscal Vision and Accountability Tabled While Tamagna's and Ball's Budget Forum Looms]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[May 9]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball felt that the County legislature could have eliminated more "[[Pork-barrel spending" from the county budget.<ref name="taxcrisis1"/><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0404/front_page/001.html County Sales Tax Renewal and .5 Percent Increase Approved in Committee]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[April 4]], [[2007]].</ref> Another state legislator, Democrat [[Sandra Galef]], eventually introduced the tax increase bill to the Assembly.<ref>Leiter, Maria. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0725/Front_Page/001.html County Legislature Approves Saltes Tax Increase]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[July 25]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball later joined with a county legislator in calling on Bondi to resign, citing his "incompetence and stubbornness" in proposing a budget with a 40% increase in the property tax levy.<ref>Boisi, Patrick. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2882 Bondi defends 40 percent tax increase, Ball calls for his resignation]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. [[September 12]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name="resignnow">Anderson, Liz. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/07/ball-to-bondi-resign-now/ Ball to Bondi: Resign now]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[September 7]], [[2007]].</ref>
He has voted dozens of times against any bill that proposes tax increases, including opposition a measure to raise the Putnam County sales tax by half a percent from 3.5% to 4% that was supported by State Senator Vincent Leibell, a fellow local legislator.<ref>Matthews, Cara. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/21/raging-against-the-machine/ Raging against the machine]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[June 21]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball was also dismayed when asked by Putnam county legislators to carry a bill to Albany during the 2007 county "budget crisis"<ref name="taxcrisis1">Elan, Susan. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/24/ball-calls-putnam-budget-crisis-forum/ Ball calls Putnam budget crisis forum]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[April 24]], [[2007]].</ref>, requesting a sales tax increase to 8.375%, which County Executive Robert Bondi, a fellow Republican, claimed was necessary to ward off a projected 66% property tax increase.<ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0502/front_page/001.html Legislature Considers Alternatives Should Sales Tax Renewal and Increase Fall Through]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[May 2]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0509/front_page/001.html County Legislator O'Dell's Commission for Fiscal Vision and Accountability Tabled While Tamagna's and Ball's Budget Forum Looms]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[May 9]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball felt that the County legislature could have eliminated more "[[Pork-barrel spending" from the county budget.<ref name="taxcrisis1"/><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0404/front_page/001.html County Sales Tax Renewal and .5 Percent Increase Approved in Committee]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[April 4]], [[2007]].</ref> Another state legislator, Democrat [[Sandra Galef]], eventually introduced the tax increase bill to the Assembly.<ref>Leiter, Maria. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0725/Front_Page/001.html County Legislature Approves Saltes Tax Increase]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. [[July 25]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball later joined with a county legislator in calling on Bondi to resign, citing his "incompetence and stubbornness" in proposing a budget with a 40% increase in the property tax levy.<ref>Boisi, Patrick. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2882 Bondi defends 40 percent tax increase, Ball calls for his resignation]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. [[September 12]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name="resignnow">Anderson, Liz. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/07/ball-to-bondi-resign-now/ Ball to Bondi: Resign now]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[September 7]], [[2007]].</ref>
====Illegal immigration====
====Illegal immigration====
According to ''The Journal News'', one key to Ball's success was that his campaign identified the concern local voters cared most about: illegal immigration.<ref name="west1">West, Debra. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/OPINION/708120332/1151 The Greg Ball effect: An anti-illegal alien strategy takes root and thrives]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[August 12]], [[2007]].</ref> He was joined by former INS agents in a rally protesting a proposed work shelter for illegal immigrations in the village of Brewster.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/26/just-say-no/ Just say no]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[June 26]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball made illegal immigration a focal point of his bid for office.<ref name="feet"/> In October of 2007, he strongly criticized Governor Eliot Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/01/assembly-gop-takes-aim-at-spitzer-license-plan/ Assembly GOP takes aim at Spitzer license plan]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[October 1]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2995 Ball strikes back, threatens to sue Governor Spitzer over drivers license policy]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. [[October 3]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"GOP group critical of Spitzer plan". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> An oft-quoted line from his campaign fliers was that "Illegal Immigration is Illegal".<ref>Applebome, Peter. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?n=Top/News/New York and Region/Columns/Our Towns&pagewanted=all When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration]". ''[[New York Times]]''. [[November 11]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130403 Assemblyman Ball discusses illegal immigration and public safety]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[December 13]], [[2007]].</ref> He was named "Albany's most ardent supporter of legal immigration" when he was appointed State Chairman of the national immigration reform group State Legislators for Legal Immigration.<ref>"[[http://www.statelegislatorsforlegalimmigration.com/ Lawmakers for Legal Immigration]". Retrieved [[March 23]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>"[http://www.assemblymangball.com/BlogEntry.aspx?entryID=83 Ball Named States Chairman of National Legal Immigration Group]". ''[http://www.assemblymanball.com Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on [[February 24]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/02/14/greg-ball-joins-national-lawmakers-against-alien-invasion/ Greg Ball joins national lawmakers against alien ‘invasion’]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[February 14]], [[2008]].</ref> Yet Ball declined to speak at an anti illegal-immigration forum in Danbury, Connecticut sponsored by [http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement, calling the group's rhetoric "over the top."<ref>Homayonpour, Marietta. "[http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:W2k7P7nKUDEJ:www.newstimes.com/ci_7848096?source%253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html+site:newstimes.com+"Immigration+Law+Enforcement"&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us Should Danbury partner with ICE?]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. [[December 31]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/30/not-visiting-connecticut/ Not visiting Connecticut]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[April 30]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"[http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement]". Retrieved [[March 23]], [[2008]].</ref>
According to ''The Journal News'', one key to Ball's success was that his campaign identified the concern local voters cared most about: illegal immigration.<ref name="west1">West, Debra. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/OPINION/708120332/1151 The Greg Ball effect: An anti-illegal alien strategy takes root and thrives]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[August 12]], [[2007]].</ref> He was joined by former INS agents in a rally protesting a proposed work shelter for illegal immigrations in the village of Brewster.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/26/just-say-no/ Just say no]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[June 26]], [[2007]].</ref> Ball made illegal immigration a focal point of his bid for office.<ref name="feet"/> In October of 2007, he strongly criticized Governor Eliot Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/01/assembly-gop-takes-aim-at-spitzer-license-plan/ Assembly GOP takes aim at Spitzer license plan]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[October 1]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2995 Ball strikes back, threatens to sue Governor Spitzer over drivers license policy]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. [[October 3]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"GOP group critical of Spitzer plan". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> An oft-quoted line from his campaign fliers was that "Illegal Immigration is Illegal".<ref>Applebome, Peter. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?n=Top/News/New%20York%20and%20Region/Columns/Our%20Towns&pagewanted=all When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration]". ''[[New York Times]]''. [[November 11]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130403 Assemblyman Ball discusses illegal immigration and public safety]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[December 13]], [[2007]].</ref> He was named "Albany's most ardent supporter of legal immigration" when he was appointed State Chairman of the national immigration reform group State Legislators for Legal Immigration.<ref>"[[http://www.statelegislatorsforlegalimmigration.com/ Lawmakers for Legal Immigration]". Retrieved [[March 23]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>"[http://www.assemblymangball.com/BlogEntry.aspx?entryID=83 Ball Named States Chairman of National Legal Immigration Group]". ''[http://www.assemblymanball.com Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on [[February 24]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/02/14/greg-ball-joins-national-lawmakers-against-alien-invasion/ Greg Ball joins national lawmakers against alien ‘invasion’]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[February 14]], [[2008]].</ref> Yet Ball declined to speak at an anti illegal-immigration forum in Danbury, Connecticut sponsored by [http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement, calling the group's rhetoric "over the top."<ref>Homayonpour, Marietta. "[http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:W2k7P7nKUDEJ:www.newstimes.com/ci_7848096%3Fsource%25253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html+site:newstimes.com+%22Immigration+Law+Enforcement%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us Should Danbury partner with ICE?]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. [[December 31]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/30/not-visiting-connecticut/ Not visiting Connecticut]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. [[April 30]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>"[http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement]". Retrieved [[March 23]], [[2008]].</ref>
In February of 2008, Ball hosted a summit on the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g) program for law enforcement and elected officials from New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, co-hosted by co-hosted by Jim Pendergraph, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Executive Director from the United States Department of Homeland Security Office of State and Local Coordination.<ref name="ice1"/><ref name="summit">Driscoll, Eugene. "[http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8249912?source=most_viewed N.Y. lawmaker wants ICE in jails]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. [[February 13]], [[2008]].</ref> He talked at length about the measure during a Fox News interview with [[Neil Cavuto]].<ref>{{cite episode
In February of 2008, Ball hosted a summit on the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g) program for law enforcement and elected officials from New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, co-hosted by co-hosted by Jim Pendergraph, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Executive Director from the United States Department of Homeland Security Office of State and Local Coordination.<ref name="ice1"/><ref name="summit">Driscoll, Eugene. "[http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8249912?source=most_viewed N.Y. lawmaker wants ICE in jails]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. [[February 13]], [[2008]].</ref> He talked at length about the measure during a Fox News interview with [[Neil Cavuto]].<ref>{{cite episode
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[[Category:Biography]]
[[Category:Americans]]