Thread: Winning on Iraq, Bush Turns to Immigration

Winning on Iraq, Bush Turns to Immigration

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
Published: May 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, May 25 — Having won his fight with Congressional Democrats on an Iraq war spending bill, President Bush is now waging an equally aggressive battle with Republicans, as he tries to persuade them to support an immigration bill that he hopes will be a signature domestic achievement.

As the Senate debated the immigration measure, Mr. Bush spent the past week lobbying behind the scenes to build support for it. A dozen Republican senators, including some of the staunchest opponents to the bill, were summoned to Oval Office meetings to hear the president deliver an impassioned appeal for the legislation.

In return, participants said, they gave Mr. Bush an earful about complaints from their constituents, including some loyal Bush supporters.

“He may have this legacy thing in mind — he may think that it’s Nixon going to China, that only he can get this done,â€

[quote="jean"]
“He may have this legacy thing in mind — he may think that it’s Nixon going to China, that only he can get this done,â€

“Look, he understands, having been involved in this debate for many years, that it is an extremely emotional and emotionally charged issue, so he is not surprised that it engenders strong reaction,â€