If you'd actually bothered to read the article, instead of embarking on yet another pointless grammar exercise, you might have understood the quote. Of course, that's assuming you would actually bother to pay attention, rather than regurgitating Republican talking points. The quote was referring to the politicians who use anti-immigrant rhetoric to make a name for themselves, people like Tom Tancredo and now Jan Brewer. It's not a strawman, it's a political tactic embraced by the party you support so fervently.

Don't let the door hit you on the ass.

Sometimes I feel like my shadow's casting me