Translation: Reid sees Hispanic votes if he pursues CIR. Mind you, he need not succeed at passing a bill, but he will still have won their support, and a possible re-election.
Quote:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) may not have a chance of passing an immigration reform bill next year, but that’s not going to stop him from keeping the contentious issue on the chamber’s front burner as he tries to rally Hispanic voters behind what’s likely to be a brutal bid for a fifth term.
Although little movement has been made so far, those close to the Majority Leader say he will use his powerful perch in the months ahead to continue championing the issue and talking about the need to get reform enacted as he heads into next November.
But moderate Democrats in the House do not seem inclined to take up the difficult issue. With the economy still sputtering and a challenging midterm election around the corner, aides to several centrists said taking another tough vote on such a divisive issue would amount to political suicide — even if the Senate manages to pass a bill first.
“If we’re dumb enough to put immigration on the floor next year, I’m calling a headhunter,” one senior Democratic aide said.
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Reid Sees Votes in Immigration - Roll Call
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