Republicans risk Hispanic support in border debate

Often, there is a struggle between doing what is right in terms of policy, versus doing the smart political (pragmatic) thing.

This immigration issue is tougher. Even if you put the policy stuff aside, it is such a "wedge issue" that no matter what Republicans do, we are in trouble.

Simply put, the immigration issue is a political hot potato for Republicans.

A few years ago, I authored an article for Campaigns & Elections on how to attract the Hispanic vote.

This issue seeks to destroy all the groundwork that has been laid by Republicans who seek to build bridges with the Hispanic community. From a political standpoint, there is no upside to dealing with this.

But ignoring it is also problematic (from a political perspective). In politics, a maxim is to "dance with the one that brung ya.'" All Bush has left is his base -- and if he ticks off the base -- what does he have left?

Yes, this is a very difficult issue. Here's some background reading info for you:

...A Reuters article asks if Republicans should alienate Hispanics or conservatives.

...Dick Morris weights in on the subject.

...The AP reports that Spanish-Language Media helped turn out the protesters in LA.

... NY Times quotes Grover Norquist: "There is a danger that if the face of the Republican Party is Tancredo that we could be weaker with Hispanics for generations," Mr. Norquist said. "If the face of the Republican Party is George Bush or Ronald Reagan, we win. This is up for grabs."

...The Washington Post Fix Blog writes: "... immigration (illegal and otherwise) falls into the same issue matrix with voters as issues like abortion, gun control and congressional ethics. None of these issues ever rate highly when people are asked about the pressing issues the country's leaders should address, but they are significant drivers of the political debate because of the passion they evoke."