Last week’s debate between U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Democratic challenger Joe Pakootas veered briefly into immigration policy, with both candidates being asked to address the topic in the context of the need for farm labor and secure borders.

Pakootas tossed off a line that would have passed as a overworked cliché for most people, but it got him a laugh.

“We are a nation of immigrants,” said the former chairman of the Colville Confederated Tribes deadpanned, then added: “Most of us, anyway.”

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