Easy to see this one coming

We discussed this possibility in class. While governors are resistant to refugees coming to their states, many mayors are not. This creates an opportunity for conflict since there's little doubt that governors will try to limit the ability of mayors in their state to do so. And they may have the tools and authority to do so.

Here two stories on the subject:

- From CityLab: Governors Don't Want Syrian Refugees. Mayors Are Asking for Even More.
- From CNN: Mayors strike back against governors in refugee fight.

Democratic mayors across the country are clashing with mostly Republican governors who say their states shouldn't accept Syrian refugees.

More than half -- 31 -- of the nation's governors, most of the Republicans, say they oppose letting Syrian refugees into their states. The final say on allowing refugees into the country falls with the federal government, though governors can slow down the process and make placing and aiding refugees more difficult.

"It sends a horrible message to the world. It means we're turning our backs on the people who are the victims of terrorism," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday. "We're not going to turn our backs on children and families. It's not the American way. It's certainly not the New York City way."

While New York has said it would accept refugees, nearby New Jersey -- under the leadership of 2016 Republican presidential hopeful Chris Christie -- has said it won't.

"I cannot allow New Jersey to participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees -- any one of whom could be connected to terrorism -- being placed in our State," Christie wrote in a letter to Obama.

Christie on refugees: Not even 5-year-old orphans

And similar conflicts are rippling across the country.

Republican Gov. Rick Scott said Florida is not willing to accept Syrian refugees, but Andrew Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee, Florida's capital, told CNN Wednesday his city will continue to be a safe place for refugees.

"I believe strongly that we cannot turn our backs on the refugee community in their time of greatest need," he said. "The U.S. vetting process for refugees is extremely rigorous, extensive, and comprehensive, and allows us to aid those that pose no threat to our country. Gov. Scott's stance is driven by divisive politics."