McCain: Immigration defeat "tough and bruising experience"

Associated Press - June 29, 2007 3:44 PM ET

CHICAGO (AP) - Senator John McCain says yesterday's collapse of immigration reform in the Senate was a "tough and bruising experience."

During an appearance in Chicago today, the Republican presidential contender said he regrets that lawmakers weren't able to legalize unlawful immigrants and fortify the border. He says he's worried about maintaining the status quo for as many as 12 million undocumented immigrants.

McCain says lawmakers were close to a compromise, but then the support crumbled over a 48-hour period. He says the defeat killed the possibility of addressing the volatile issue before the 2008 elections.

The bill's Senate supporters fell 14 votes short of the 60 needed to limit debate and clear the way for final passage of the legislation. Among the GOP presidential contenders, only McCain voted to keep the measure alive.

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