’08 Dems push immigration - The Hill

[pampango]

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/08-dems-push-immigration-2007-09-20.html

"Every leading Democrat seeking the nomination told the gathering (the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) political action conference) that reform was one of his or her top priorities. This is in stark contrast to Democratic leaders in Congress, who have been content to stand back and let Republicans fight each other over “amnesty” versus a guest worker program."

"But some Hispanic groups and analysts doubt the candidates’ sincerity, saying they discuss the issue only in front of Hispanic groups. ... Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) and other Democrats have been accused of ducking the issue to win Hispanic support by default, as the GOP gets tainted as anti-immigrant. Republican candidates have been jockeying to appear as the toughest on illegal immigration, especially after the political thrashing Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) endured after supporting what many saw as amnesty."

"Wilkes (executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)) said Democrats display “nervousness” because immigration could split the party much as it has the GOP, and they fear losing their majority over the issue. The candidates only address the issue “when pressed” at debates or other venues, he said, because they’re afraid of scaring centrist or independent voters, but don’t want to alienate Hispanic voters either."

"Democrats are happy to engage Hispanic voters only in a limited way to nudge them toward the Democratic Party, he added.
“They’d rather get the support from having Republicans drive Latino voters away,” Wilkes said. “They’re basically saying, ‘We won’t attack you; vote for me.’”"
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Which way on immigration under a Democratic president and Congress?