But a 2010 reform push faces daunting political challenges like solid Republican opposition to key provisions and division among Democrats over both strategy and substance. Democrats facing tough re-election battles in states from Arkansas to North Dakota will be hard-pressed to vote to legalize the status of unauthorized immigrants during an economic downturn.
On the other hand, continuing inaction on the issue could alienate crucial Hispanic voters who helped deliver the White House to Democrats last year. And that could cost Democrats swing congressional seats in Nevada, New Mexico and even Texas…
[T]he House Democratic leadership has become so skittish about the issue’s risks that Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is demanding that the Senate go first. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said House leaders want to be sure the Senate can “get something done” before forcing its members to cast a politically risky vote.
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