[Nick Danger]

The Republicans need to figure this issue out correctly for the long run. They are far from that status as of now.

I don't think we know that. Bush's behavior is indistinguishable from that of a guy who knows exactly how to play it correctly for the long term.

The correct play is to bait the Democrats into taking up this issue. Let the Democrats think they see an opening; let them make this issue theirs.

Pete Wilson in California bought into this. He thought he was going to make the Republicans the majority party for a generation by getting tough on those illegals. The California GOP has not recovered yet from that blunder.

No, let some Democrat play the role of Pete Wilson in the re-make. Drive the Mexican-Americans into the arms of the GOP, and the Dems won't win another national election for a hundred years.

[Congressman Billybob]

I had thought about the angle you mention. It keys into the Bush strategy in this election, in which he won the record level of support from Hispanic voters. There is also a "don't throw me in the brier patch" angle.

Maybe Bush has in mind a serious fall back position "because of Congressional resistance." The process of "accepting" the much lower level of accommodation for Mexican illegals will have the fringe benefit of separating Hillary! from her political base.

John / Billybob

[Matchett-PI]

bttt