The brief ad shows James, son of former Alabama Gov. Fob James, taking issue with the many languages offered to administer the test. The ad comes as national debate rages over the recently signed Arizona law that makes illegal immigration a state crime, and as lawmakers on Capitol Hill argue over whether to tackle comprehensive immigration legislation.
James' ad has drawn widespread criticism, but he told supporters this week that he's just being attacked by "lefties," according to The Birmingham News.
Though James described his proposal as a cost-saving idea, any move to administer the test in just English reportedly could put federal transportation dollars to the state at risk based on a prior court ruling examining the issue.
