Posted on 12/08/2008 7:42:10 PM PST by Free ThinkerNY
Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) allies on immigration reform regard his departure from the Judiciary Committee as a withering blow to their cause and are searching for a new champion on the controversial issue.
Many are interpreting his decision to focus on healthcare as a setback to legislation that would put millions of illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship.
Kennedy’s own health has some speculating that the liberal icon sees healthcare as his best chance to augment his legacy while he battles brain cancer.
“I think it’s more than possible that he’s gotten a little older and has health issues himself and that’s hit home,” said Gabriela Lemus, executive director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. “He’s probably thinking about his legacy and this is the last big thing.”
Some see his decision to leave his post as chairman of the Judiciary Immigration subcommittee as a sign that Democrats will hold off on the topic in the 111th Congress.
“I’ve had this conversation with a couple people and I would say that Kennedy’s loss from the Judiciary Committee is disappointing,” said Randel Johnson, vice president of labor, immigration and employee benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which was a major supporter of Kennedy’s legislation. “It will adversely affect immigration reform going forward. It indicates the chances of comprehensive reform happening over the next few years are slim.”
But an aide to Kennedy dismissed the notion that his boss would abandon immigration reform altogether, noting that Kennedy promised to remain involved.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
McCain better find a new dancing partner quick. He’s got 2 years before he just might find an unwelcome retirement to his home in Arizona.
Someone please stop this monster from leaving anything behind.
I am not super religious though I am also not an agnostic either. I think this “man” will soon be standing in front of his maker and he will be judged. I would not want to be in his shoes either.
RIP Mary Jo.
McCain needs to be voted out of his Senate seat but a concervative Repub in the AZ primary. An honorable man in the Navy but a rat in the Senate.
I hope some Republican will challenge McCain in the primary.
No, it was his 1965 Immigration Act that started America on the long road to Third Worldism.
John McCain's their man!
BS. There are plenty more traitors in the senate.
He can't buy his way out, intimidate his way out, explain or lie his way out. Being an "Kennedy" won't get him excused.
His type of cancer gets to the point that all of the drugs in the world can't blunt the pain.
So far as I know, he wasn't involved in bootlegging, only insider trading. It doesn't make him any less of a crook, just a more sophisticated one.
America - saved by a 2 or 3 ounce tumor.
....”the liberal icon sees healthcare as his best chance to augment his legacy “....
no problem, I’m sure McCain will be more than happy to try and use CIR/AMNESTY to augment his own legacy.
“said Randel Johnson, vice president of labor, immigration and employee benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which was a major supporter of Kennedy’s legislation.”
Supporter? La Raza and The chamber of commerce with Grover Norquist on it’s board WROTE the legislation!
McCain will be there to pick up the cause.
God save us from Democrats trying to cement a ‘legacy’!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.