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CAMPAIGN 2008

House GOP backs off immigration, avoids openly questioning McCain

By Michael O’Brien
Posted: 09/22/08 06:56 PM [ET]

House Republicans have resisted making illegal immigration a major campaign theme this year, aware that their presidential candidate is at odds with them on the issue and voters are more focused on the economy.

Many GOP members have previously questioned McCain for co-sponsoring legislation with Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) that would have put millions of illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship.

But now that he is at the top of the ticket and trying to win over Hispanic voters — a group that could help decide this year’s election — down-ballot GOPers have toned down their comments and refocused on other issues.
“Republicans think immigration is the issue to seal the deal for them, but it hasn’t been that,â€