Immigration Debate: Three up, Three down

The fallout from last night's crushing blow to the Senate's immigration legislation is being felt across the political landscape, affecting everything from the chamber's calendar for the remainder of the year to the 2008 presidential campaign season and next year's congressional racesl.

The failed vote to move toward final passage was obviously a big setback for President Bush, whose advisers viewed this as possibly his last big domestic legislative initiative. And it was a blow to the senatorial stewardship of Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who has now filed 36 of these "cloture motions" in five months to try to thwart filibusters of legislation he supports. [He's now lost on a dozen cloture votes, suffering almost as many defeats as the number of cloture motions Republicans had filed at this point in the previous, 109th Congress - 13.]

This puts Reid on pace to file more than 140 cloture motions in the 110th Congress, which would utterly shatter the record of 82 cloture votes from N.D.): the 104th Congress. If Reid somehow resuscitates the immigration bill and gets it passed into law, that would be a huge victory, but those are some long odds right now.

But the immigration debate was about much more than just the leadership of the president and the top senator.

Here's a quick look at some winners and losers from the weeks-long negotiations and floor debate, three folks who ended on an up note and three who ended on a down note:

THREE UP:

• Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.): He may have earned some serious enmity from the leadership with his maneuvering on the amendment to twilight an immigrant worker program after five years. But as Shailagh Murray illustrated in today's Washington Post, Dorgan was the mastermind behind the plot to secure flip-flop votes by Republicans on his amendment. It may not have pleased Reid, but Dorgan's move was widely supported by big labor unions, earning him serious chits with one of his party's most important blocs.
• John McCain (R-Ariz.): Yes, you read that right. McCain may have been one of the architects of this bill, but Capitol Briefing doesn't like conventional wisdom. We say this here: the bill was killing McCain on the presidential campaign trail, as The Fix explained on Tuesday, and having this bill die now is far better than if it passed the Senate next week. Had it passed, then the House would have passed its version in late July, and the House-Senate conference on immigration would have dominated the headlines throughout the fall - constantly reminding the conservative voters of McCain's position on immigration. He won because he lost last night.
• Sen. DeSesyn (R-S.C./Ala./Texas): Sorry, that's a made up name, but basically Jim DeMint (S.C.), Jeff Sessions (Ala.) and John Cornyn (Texas) were the Republicans who did the most to beat this bill. They've earned incredible good will among their conservative base and are now the unqualified conservative movement leaders in the chamber.

THREE DOWN:

• Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.): There was all sorts of high praise for the 44-year Senate veteran when the deal was announced before the Memorial Day recess, winning kudos from even hard-core partisans like Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.). It was supposed to be another example of Kennedy's magic, that no big domestic legislation can pass without his imprimatur on it. Well, the deal blew up and, in the end, nearly a quarter of his fellow Democrats abandoned Kennedy on the cloture vote last night.
• Jon Kyl (R-Ariz): Kyl was hailed as the conservative yin to Kennedy's liberal yang on this deal, but Kyl had far more to lose as his conservative base had looked to him in recent years as an emerging leader of their movement. The right was stunned when he signed on with Kennedy, and, with the legislation failing, Kyl's image takes an even bigger hit.
• Karl Rove: Alright, alright, he's not even in the Senate. But, no recent political figure had put more emphasis on turning the Latino voting bloc into a reliable supporter of Republicans than Bush's top political adviser. While the Latino vote is still relatively small now, Rove has long believed that it will surpass the black vote in numbers in the next decade or so; he had hoped to make Bush a transitional figure among Latinos, the man whose religiousness meshed well with the largely Catholic Hispanic voters and who would deliver immigration legislation that they would give him credit for. That now appears highly unlikely, and Rove's long-term efforts to make Latinos a GOP voting group were dealt a serious blow.

By Paul Kane | June 8, 2007; 4:40 PM ET
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Comments

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I'm not advocating this particular bill, as I had strong issues with several of the provisions, but, Mr. Kane, you left out the big loser from your list - The United States of America. We need to tackle this issue once and for all or this is going to rip this country apart until we do.

Posted by: Patrick Huss | June 8, 2007 6:43 PM

I want to thank all of the senators that voted against Cloture on S 1348. I would really like to see all of the folks that have hired illegal aliens go to prison. With a few of the fat cats in prison, I'd be a lot more sympathetic with some of the illegals staying.
Here are the names of the senators we should thank for voting against Cloture on this bill.
Alexander (R-TN)
Allard (R-CO)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bennett (R-UT)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Bond (R-MO)
Boxer (D-CA)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Byrd (D-WV)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Cochran (R-MS) Coleman (R-MN)
Collins (R-ME)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Craig (R-ID)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Dole (R-NC)
Domenici (R-NM)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Ensign (R-NV)
Grassley (R-IA)
Gregg (R-NH) Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lott (R-MS)
McCaskill (D-MO)
McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Pryor (D-AR)
Roberts (R-KS)
Rockefeller (D-WV) Sanders (I-VT)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)
Stevens (R-AK)
Sununu (R-NH)
Tester (D-MT)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Warner (R-VA)
Webb (D-VA)

One senator form Missouri (Senator McCaskill) really has the right idea. She suggested sending the owners and officers of the companies that have hired illegals and pursing them in court. I strongly agree.

Posted by: jesteban | June 9, 2007 10:56 AM

Why there is focus on illegal immigrants? What about who are legal in this country? I came to this country in 1998 and I am still waiting for green card. Infact, I will not be eligible even to apply for it for next 5-6 years because of retrogression. My wife is on dependent visa (H4). She is Certified Public Accountant, but she cannot work on current visa. H4 visa holders cannot apply for social security number, cannot get driver's license, cannot open bank account, cannot get credit card and so on.I think it's unfair to give illegals a path to citizenship when legal immigrants have lived and worked here as law abiding citizens, tax-paying and good Samaritans.

It is disturbing that everybody, including main stream media, is focussing on illegals while ignoring legals. There is no discussion, no statistics....nothing at all on legal immigrants.

Posted by: deep | June 9, 2007 6:50 PM

The impact of illegal immigration on the daily lives of Americans is a greatly fabricated issue. Because I do not believe that Americans just cannot sleep tonight thinking about the illegal immigrants that are scheduled to work tomorrow. What does take their sleep away is how they'll manage to pay their bills, get better healthcare, afford a home or to send their children to college. THESE are the real issues. Worrying about fellow Americans? Then DO something about the war in Iraq, which almost all conservatives supported and voted for. Americans die there daily to no avail. These people lack reason and use their prejudice as reasoning for perpetuating the explotation of labor. Illegals have no rights or protection under the law, so no, they do not drain the American economy, and they are certainly not disposable workers, no matter how 'illegal' they are. Most have given their best and most productive years, their youth to miserable jobs, and it is abhorrent that after this people just want to kick them out. If the problem is their legal status, then do the fair things and make them legal. If they could do it, they would have done so already.

Posted by: ls | June 9, 2007 8:08 PM

There is no such word as "alright," not even when you use it twice. Fix your spell checker.

Posted by: Dzhims | June 10, 2007 2:05 PM

Republicans and Democrats "reached across the aisle" to work on a very good bill. We keep hearing that politicians will do this but they rarely do. This was a great opportunity for the Congress to show that they could work together on an important issue. Those who opposed it have just left us back where we started and disillusioned with the process.

Posted by: AXN | June 10, 2007 10:32 PM

Sad to say but this is politics as usual. Sen Reid killed the bill because he didn't want Pres Bush to get any credit for possibly the most important legislation to come out of Congress this decade, if you don't believe it then try and explain why the first move Sen Reid did was pass the blame on to Pres Bush then call for a non-binding resolution against the AG. Funny but nothing has changed Democrats - Republicans, they are both the same.

Posted by: PhorkinSpoon | June 11, 2007 3:43 AM

There are multiple reasons why this bill failed. First, it was a horid example of how "bipartisan" garbage can be crafted to say one thing and do something completely different. It has way too many flaws to itemize here, but it was wrong-headed from the beginning. Obviously 45 Senators ignored the American people and will pay a price. Illegal immigration is a serious issue and requires serious and genuine attention. Not that crap that they presented as "comprehensive reform". As Fred Thompson said, you can't put lipstick on a pig and this sucker was a big porker and had to go down.

Posted by: PK | June 11, 2007 8:19 AM

The people in this post that are calling this a good bill or a great effort, are probably well intentioned, however this was not even a small attempt to fix our dysfunctional immigration system, it was a scam,it's only purpose was to give preferential treatment to Hispanic illegal aliens.

It would have done NOTHING for the millions honest, hardworking, legal applicants that wait years and years,for visas that most will never receive because millions of illegal aliens have jumped in front of them.

We reward the criminals and punish the people who try to abide by the law what kind of immigration reform is that ?

Posted by: jjoyce6018 | June 11, 2007 10:21 AM

JJoyce6018 is absolutely correct. The special interest lobbyists were all over this legislation hoping it would improve Hispanic worker rights, increase union ranks, and shame on both republicans and democrats...court the Hispanic vote. Read George Will's column on the Compromise of Delusion. We no longer trust our government leaders to do what's right. Why have hundreds of pages of complex legislation when we need simple legislation to close our borders first!

Posted by: suep | June 11, 2007 11:04 AM

The just defeated immigration bill, was a painted porker!
However I do hear many people who are saying that the "fat Lady" hasen't begun to sing yet.
I would suggest that a new bill be started which also funds the fence that was authorized last year. That the program that will cause an ID that can't be forged be put in place and that a guest worker program, with the person wishing the labor also furnishing health coverage, be put in with out limits on time and a go home policy after 5 yrs of continuous employment to re-apply for entry.
That those who employ Illegal Aliens be heavily fined/and or imprisoned for breaking the law.
Student visa's need to have a legal person to check in with for compliance who will chek on location preiodicly, non compliance means deportation and never being able to come to this country again period. The legal immigration process needs to be speeded up as it is too long. Mass demonstrations by legal resident aliens/illegal aliens result in deportation with no redress. A new and higher crackdown on fields/factories/slaughter houses for illegal aliens in their employment. Sanctions of cities/states who try to give sanctuary to illegal aliens or any form of "legal" aid, licence, ID etc. Better inspection of all produce that enters this country, E-coli, hepititus, other forms of contamination etc., including lead glaze on ceramics meant for use in food or beveage consumption. I'm sure that many of you have some things to add to the list. Including that the taxpayer will not have to pay for these services. Have a nice day!

Posted by: h1m912009 | June 11, 2007 11:55 AM

Just a furthur suggestion, with two failed Immigration reform bills under his belt that any legislation proffered be without the input of Sen. E. Kennedy D-Mass. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results, can you say AMNISTY....AMNISTY.....AMNISTY!
I say ENFORCEMENT, Prison time, Heavy FINES! No I do not mean prison as in club fed!
My wife is a Naturalized Citizen, come here legally and I hope you have a good life and if you wish become a Millionaire! Have a nice day Kids, and to jesteban thanks for the list!

Posted by: h1m912009 | June 11, 2007 12:20 PM

To whom it may concern: Not once was it mentioned that the violence in the country is because most of the illegal aliens are drug connected, or gang related. Nor did anyone say anything about the recent terror tactics used against JFK airport, and Fort Dix, check it out. Not once did anyone say that 2 of our border agents are sitting in prison for shooting an illegal,who by the way is a big drug cartel from Mexico and was given amnesty to come to america and testify against the agents. HELLO!!!!! We should all be reading what is really happening in this country as far as the illegals aliens go and heed the truth. All this talk is a diversion for what is coming. And that is the NAU. Think not?? And this will eventually lead to a one world government due to the EU failing. Readers look beyond the end of your nose and see the future. There are at least 15 communities, one being in upstate New York that are nothing but al queda cells working in the United States and soliciting terrorists from places like the prisons in the country. They say they are a non profit group and therefore pay no taxes of any kind. Wake up America public and smell the coffee.

Posted by: darcy | June 11, 2007 12:42 PM

My opinion is: The United States Congress should provide funding that will successfully protect our borders and simply enforce our existing immigration laws. What is so complicated about that? After all, if we have laws, don't you think Congress should provide sufficient funding to enforce them? First, I would like to challenge members of Congress to go out to the cities and rural towns to discuss immigration a lot more with their local constituency. If I remember right, that is what members of Congress are suppose to do, connect with their constituents, not their political party boss. Second, I would like to challenge the voters to express their honest opinion about immigration with their elected city, county, state and federal officals. It used to be that expressing an honest opinion was a civic duty so that the elected officals can keep track.

Posted by: Roy | June 11, 2007 12:48 PM

I've made campaign contributions, so I get many requests for more. My standard response is, "I won't give to politicians that: 1) won't stop illegal immigration, 2) would give amnesty to illegal immigrants, 3) support the gay agenda, and 4) won't support not-for-profit single-payer universal health care."

People of good will must speak truth to power. The GOP's over-riding principle is "the love of money" (greed), e.g., cheap labor for business at any cost, and the Dem Party's principles have narrowed since being taken over by political correctness, minorities, & gay advocates. Special interests run the parties and they run the country, so we're back to taxation without representation.

God, please raise-up a great leader to form & lead a third party around good principles: environmental stewardship (Genesis 2:15), compromise to minimize abortions, not-for-profit health care for all, make pensions & Social Security reliable and sufficient, undo federal privatization, zero deficit spending, re-balance management-employee compensation for fairness, re-balance taxes so rich and business pay fair share, renegotiate trade agreements to lift up other nations with labor & environmental standards, no earmarks & no tax breaks for lobbyists, penalize job outsourcing, etc. Amen.

Posted by: chuck | June 11, 2007 5:46 PM

SENATOR FROM MASS. OR MEXICO?
"Give to the Mexicans all a free ride!"
But American workers he derides.
You're Mexicano?
Or Americano?
Now Teddy, it's time for you to decide!

Posted by: The Poet on The Hill | June 11, 2007 6:23 PM

SENATOR FROM MASS. OR MEXICO?
"Give to the Mexicans all a free ride!"
But American workers he derides.
You're Mexicano?
Or Americano?
Now Teddy, it's time for you to decide!

Posted by: The Poet on The Hill | June 11, 2007 6:23 PM

Why doesn't the main stream media talk about the Mexican Constitution and its treatment of legal and illegal immigrants?
It would be really easy for the US to copy their plan since it is cost effective and
protects their borders quite well.

Posted by: quietman@toast.net | June 11, 2007 9:41 PM

Well kids I see that "Cement Head" is back on the hill trying to get the painted porker revived!
Keep up the pressure kids, and let your representatives know that they get no money until this "Immigration Bill" is dead!
Let them know that a yes vote on this bill will result in a no vote on their re-election!
Quietman: The press has an agenda which makes it inconvenient to publish the immigration laws of the Estados Unidos Mexicanos! Which is why the news you get needs to be questioned, and Poll questions need to be studied to see if they have an agenda behind them to acheive an objective!

Posted by: h1m912009 | June 12, 2007 11:08 AM

Well kids the Senate just slapped a fresh layer of makeup and lipstick on the painted porker!
They do not seem to get it that this bill is not good legislation.
They are putting the border fence in the bill, which was passed last year and signed into law but just not funded. It is still amnesty, and have you tried to get a passport lately per homeland security well you will not have to until September or later because the Government can't get the job done. This bill gives just 24 hours to vette applicants for the "Z" visa back ground checks, the people who have been ordered out of the country for visa violations, and other criminal conduct, childmolesters, murder, theft, etc. haven't been excluded.
It would seem that the Politicians can't seem to keep their word and enforce the 1986 bill yet and want us to take their word that they will keep it not. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me and there will not be a third time.
Immigration bill passed in 1965(?), again in 1986(?) and the provisions of the bill regarding enforcement forgotten. Remember??
I see that the Sen. from Mass., Mr. E. Kennedy, has his fat fingers all over this bill again as he did with the other two! The problem is credibility, the Government due to passed actions has none. Think it over and study the bill, see what it gives away as well as making legal the Al Qaeda cells that are in place already in this country. Have a nice day!!

Posted by: h1m912009 | June 15, 2007 10:41 AM

Hello, I have some opinions. On Immigration I think we need a fence, I believe in the green cards but nothing else!. Also, these gas prices, which in turn is increasing the food prices, but not peoples wages. People can't afford to eat, we are going to lose everything under this President. Stop the war!. We don't need to be everywhere, we need only to protect our own country. Help us get out of the mess we our in, quit outsourcing to other countries,stop giving the tax incentives to the companies to outsource. Let's build backup the United States of America, help the people get back on their feet and support their own families. Find a way to make medical and dental affordable to everyone.Thank you so much for your time and efforts to help us. Margarert Brando

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