Thread: Vulnerable Dems Tell Leadership to Avoid Amnesty in 2010

Vulnerable Democrats Tell Leadership to Avoid Amnesty in 2010

On Wednesday, November 4, The Hill ran an article indicating that moderate Congressional Democrats who may be vulnerable in the upcoming 2010 midterm elections "want their leaders to skip the party's controversial legislative agenda for next year to help save their seats in Congress." The Hill noted that these vulnerable Democrats "don't want to be forced to vote on...immigration reform...which they say should be set aside so Congress can focus on jobs and the economy." (The Hill, November 4, 2009). These comments all reflect the feelings of the American people who, with the national unemployment rate now above ten percent for the first time in 26 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 6, 2009), are adamantly opposed to "comprehensive immigration reform" - Democratic Leadership's euphemism for granting amnesty to millions of illegal aliens.

The Hill article quoted several Democrats who may be vulnerable in 2010 as expressing reluctance with taking up amnesty legislation with the economy and unemployment in its current state. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) stated: "[T]he most important issue in front of us is the economy right now, and that's where most of us really want to stay focused, the economy and jobs, that's what our constituency is concerned about." Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC), a moderate Democrat who is considering challenging Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in 2010, said that "[t]hree things ought to be the top priority: jobs, jobs and jobs." Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) echoed Etheridge's sentiments: "[J]obs should be our top priority and we shouldn't do anything that detracts from that." (The Hill).

The Hill piece noted that "[s]ome Democrats are worried the [Democrats'] ambitious agenda could make winning reelection [in 2010] that much harder," adding that "[o]ne Democratic senator facing election in a Republican-leaning state said he does not want to see the issue of...immigration reform...on next year's agenda." The article went on: "A group of vulnerable Democratic lawmakers see...immigration reform as [a] desperation pass[] down the length of the political playing field. They acknowledge that healthcare reform may very well pass, but they say...immigration reform [has] dim prospects." (Id.).

The Democrat leading the charge for amnesty in the Senate, however, does not appear to sympathize with the concerns of his colleagues. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Immigration Subcommittee, told reporters on Tuesday, November 3 that amnesty "is still on the agenda for the 111th Congress." The Hill noted that "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has called immigration reform his No. 3 priority after healthcare reform and global climate change legislation." (Id.). It is curious that Reid, who is also up for re-election in 2010, has chosen to place such an emphasis on amnesty: Data released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics in October indicate that the unemployment rate in Reid's home state of Nevada is one of the highest in the country at 13.3 percent. (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

http://www.rightsidenews.com/2009110972 ... -2009.html

It would be even better if they never went after and/or gave them amnesty.

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC), a moderate Democrat who is considering challenging Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in 2010, said that "[t]hree things ought to be the top priority: jobs, jobs and jobs." Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) echoed Etheridge's sentiments: "[J]obs should be our top priority and we shouldn't do anything that detracts from that."

Well isn't it funny that Bayh voted in favor of amnesty the last time around when he wasn't up for re-election.

It doesnt matter. Obama & the dems are going to do whatever they want anyway. The new dems will turn will be just like the old ones with enough bribes. And thats what Obama does best.

Call your Democrat rep and tell them to SUPPORT Amnesty, because in a resession, it will show people you have to chuck them ALL OUT! We need to make the 30 million HERE an ISSUE!

I am so happy to see some Dems are realizing the error of their ways, and if this does come up, I think the American people should have a month to review these bills. After all so much legislation is written to "strike paragraph 652, in section 17 of the US title 7589 and replace with the language...)". I always get the feeling we are being hornswoggled.

I don't see Amnesty coming up at all in 2010. Unless dems have a political deathwish.

I am amazed that they are worrying that an Amnesty bill might be bad for them instead of the American populace! Kind of like thinking "Hurray for me and F everybody else!"

Do they think we're that studid, that we don't remember how they voted the last time amnesty came up? Or statements they made during their last campaigns? How will they campaign for the upcoming election - for or against amnesty? And will they break that promise if re-elected? Too many questions. Time to recycle congress and turn it conservative.

Goes to show where their true loyalty lies at. Getting reelected!