Posted by
KsReaganite on Saturday, March 06, 2010 2:16:55 AM
With all due respect, the President is reaching to the that crowd in the GOP that can deliver little on immigration. At its best, his efforts to reform immigration will net no more than four or five GOP senators, and only a few more House Republicans. Were he serious about immigration reform, he would reach out to three Republicans who can truly deliver and, at the same time, provide cover for other GOPers who are too afraid to go that route in an election year. Who are these three GOP keys to immigration reform?
Rush Limbaugh, for all the liberal barbs thrown at him, has not been a dyed in the wool immigrant basher like his peer Glen Beck. He is someone who can be reasoned with on the basis of humanitarianism, business needs, and plain good national security policy. And when Rush talks-unlike when W did-Republicans listen.
For Alaska governor Sarah Palin is the brightest conservative star today…and quite noncommittal on immigration reform beyond the broad general principles of security, economy, and humanity. The President and his advisers can persuade her of their case if they were sincere and respectful.
Then there is the legendary Grover Norquist, the one man anti-tax crusader who can often make and break national GOP candidates. A man with a Reaganesque outlook and libertarian streak, his support for the President’s immigration approach is worth more than twenty GOP senators. Of course, the President and his arrogant advisers have to approach Mr. Norquist nicely and, I suspect, he will be open to hearing their case.