[Shermy]

Nope. Nothing unites so many as toughness on immigration.

Capitulation - if true.

Repubs could have come up with another House bill embraces all security and enforcement matters, with guarantees Bush wouldn't defund it, with time to "study" amnesty and worker programs, and run on that issue, for one. Distinguishing themselves from Bush would also help divide their association from him as an unpopular president. Especially needed because it looks like Bush is going to keep his face on TV in his "take charge" mode and Dems will easily reply he hasn't secured Iraq and offers no new ideas. Iraq is not a winner for Republicans.

[RobFromGa]

You must see a differnt Senate than the one I see, there is no way to get the tough bill you want right now.

The War on Terror is a more immediate threat to the safety of our country...

[LS]

1) Iraq a HUGE winner for Republicans.

2) Killing this bill is a huge winner for Republicans, and, if you were at all attentive to what was happening here months ago, ANYONE would have preferred to see this bill die.

3) It's one more reason to vote Republican in the fall, for the Dems FOR SURE will bring up an amnesty bill if they control the House.

[backtothestreets]

I agree with you. Illegal immigration and lax border control are integral holes in the Republican anti-terrorism position. Sixty-seven percent of the voting public view Illegal immigration and lax border patrol as being bad for the nation. Skirting the issue of illegal immigration isn't setting well with politically conservative voters, but they are outnumbered by liberal Democrats and Republicans in Congress or challenging incumbents.

The Republican Party is playing Russian roulette with illegal immigration and blindly hoping a terrorist attack in the USA is not launched before the elections.

[Bainbridge]

Exactly.
This is patent nonsense.
Immigration reform can only help Republicans and hurt democrats.
It is time for the GOP to show that they have the stomach for a fight.
"Racist", "Xenophobe" , Grow-up and do what is right. It is a political winner every time.

[PistolPaknMama]

Distinguishing themselves from Bush would also help divide their association from him as an unpopular president.

I agree. Or at least I think we agree. Bush and his "party" have give The People a big wedgie where immigration is concerned. Instead of kicking the criminals out, they're salivating over how many potential voters they are importing. All their "potential voters" are either going to blow us up or vote to secede to Atzlan. And Bush & Co. want us to think that immigration and the war on terror are not related. Phhhhttt! At least Clinton *says* didn't inhale. I'm not so sure about this current crowd.

[mjaneangels@aolcom]

"Repubs could have come up with another House bill embraces all security and enforcement matters, with guarantees Bush wouldn't defund it, with time to "study" amnesty and worker programs, and run on that issue, for one. Distinguishing themselves from Bush would also help divide their association from him as an unpopular president. Especially needed because it looks like Bush is going to keep his face on TV in his "take charge" mode and Dems will easily reply he hasn't secured Iraq and offers no new ideas. Iraq is not a winner for Republicans."

If the Republicans follow your line of thinking, the Senators will distinguish themselves from the House of Reps and vise versa.

That is a looser for anyone who is not a liberal.