Posted on 04/11/2006 12:44:25 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
CINCINNATI - Republican Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) campaigned on Tuesday for a conservative congressman who publicly disagreed with the potential 2008 presidential candidate on how to deal with illegal immigration.
Six-term Rep. Steve Chabot (news, bio, voting record) made it clear that while he welcomed McCain's appearance at a breakfast fundraiser, the two are on opposite sides on how to deal with the nation's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
"This happens to be an area where the senator and I don't agree," Chabot said after McCain attended the fundraiser for the Ohio congressman's re-election campaign. Chabot said they do agree on some issues.
Last year, Chabot voted for a House bill that would make all illegal immigrants felons and make offering them non-emergency aid or assistance a federal crime. The bill also calls for building a fence along 700 miles of the border with Mexico.
McCain favors legislation that seeks better border security, regulations on the future entry of foreign workers and allows most of the nation's illegal immigrants to eventually qualify for citizenship through a series of steps, including paying any back taxes and passing criminal background checks.
"I support the House bill," Chabot said. "I think it's a mistake for us to even consider anything like a temporary worker program, or some people call it amnesty, until we have border control."
The public disagreement between Chabot and McCain reflect the deep divisions within the Republican Party over immigration. It also highlighted the political reality that McCain, in weighing another White House bid, is reaching out to all factions of the GOP.
The Arizona senator is spending the first week of the congressional recess campaigning for House and gubernatorial candidates in New Hampshire, Arkansas, Ohio, Minnesota and Iowa.
A day after massive demonstrations around the country for immigration rights, McCain said he was hopeful about the prospects for the Senate bill that he favors, arguing that the show of force underscores the need for urgent action.
"I am confident that over time we will prevail with a comprehensive approach to this issue," McCain told reporters.
The bill stalled in the Senate last week.
McCain told some 300 people at the fundraiser that immigration is a critical political issue, especially for Hispanic voters. In recent presidential elections, Republicans have made gains among Hispanic voters.
"So we better treat this issue with care, we better treat it with sensitivity, better treat it with humanity," McCain said.
Sen. John McCain, left, R-Ariz., edges past a column as he walks with Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, center, and Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, to a breakfast fundraiser for Chabot, Tuesday, April 11, 2006, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) (top) listens to a question from an audience member at a town hall meeting in Keene, New Hampshire April 8, 2006. Senator McCain, who is considered a possible Republican presidential candidate, visited the first-in-the-nation primary state of New Hampshire to sign copies of his new book and participate in a town hall style meeting with U.S. congressman Charlie Bass (R-NH). REUTERS/Brian Snyder
As of right now, the most likely person to be sworn in on Jan. 20, 2009.
Senator Ted Kennedy (L)(D-MA) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) react at a press conference about the overhaul of immigration laws in Washington April 6, 2006. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
I disagree. He's the pubbie most likely to be sworn at by conservatives until he finally retires from the Senate.
If the GOP nominates this jerk millions of conservatives will stay home. Believe me. I'd rather have four years of Hillary; at least we would know what we're getting.
Not with my vote!
He flaps about in the breeze with greater skill than Hitlery. Meaning, he had no convictions.
"As of right now, the most likely person to be sworn in on Jan. 20, 2009."
I disagree. He's got too many conservatives (like me) who not only don't support him, but outright can't stand him to get the nomination. Giuliani and Frist are RINOs as well, but they haven't incurred the same kind of anger among conservatives as McCain has.
The opposition to McCain will be the 20% Freepertypes. McCain is in Good standing with most Republicans. It's early, but i don't know who is going to beat him.
After the amnesty attempt, I have a feeling a lot more people will be against him. He could end up being lucky to get re-elected to the Senate if he runs again.
Bad that hatred only runs in the hardcore conservative base. McCain has been mending fenses and most in the party will accept him, no matter how much we kick and scream. I just can't imagine some one like a Pense being able to overtake McCain.
More than 20% freepers.
I did not say 20% of Freepers, just that Freepers only represent 20% of the party/vote.
I wouldn't count on that. There are many like my family who don't posts rants on a website, never get polled and still support President Bush. We want nothing to do with McCain. Yes, we are voters!!!
Don't you love to see the grins on these hacks faces when they know they are sticking it to conservatives! No!
Two peas in a pod. Kennedy and McPain.
"As of right now, the most likely person to be sworn in on Jan. 20, 2009."
Hopefully, you are talking about Chabot or Blackwell. They'd get my vote, but not McCain.
I agree, but we do need to stop McCain...otherwise we're still voting for another Hillary.
A Marxist federal bench for starter's.
GOOF on McCain. I guess Chabot thinks McCain's campaigning will help him.
You're correct.
BAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAA...!!!
We?
Are you saying you don't accept him?
Are you saying you aren't going to vote for him either?
John McCain is the presidential candidate most likely to be holed up in the Northern Mexican mountains in January 2009 after being run out of the United States by a mob of pitchfork-wielding citizens.
(by the way, check out my brand new book)
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~35912.aspx
Seems strange that Chabot said he disagreed with McCain on immigration. My recollection is that Chabot has been one of the less restrictionist oriented of the House Republicans.
Perhaps he has drifted toward a more conservative stance along with the public groundswell and overall shift in the conservative direction in the House, however.
"McCain told some 300 people at the fundraiser that immigration is a critical political issue, especially for Hispanic voters. In recent presidential elections, Republicans have made gains among Hispanic voters.
"So we better treat this issue with care, we better treat it with sensitivity, better treat it with humanity," McCain said."
I agree with him. We need to make it clear that strict policies toward illegal aliens are necessary not because we want to be harsh with illegal aliens, but because we must do so if the Americans who are less well off economically are to have an opportunity for a better life, and because we believe in the continued existence of the United States as a sovereign nation.
LOL! McCain is toast for the presidency. He will come in about 4th in the primaries.
McCain will be first or second. The GOP isn't like the Dems that pick candidates out from left field. Republicans have always picked well known names. GW Bush is the only GOP candidate in my lifetime who hasn't really paid his dues before being nominated. Unfortunately, I don't see that candidate. If you think McCain will finish fourth, you are in serious denial.
We?
Are you saying you don't accept him?
Are you saying you aren't going to vote for him either?
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Still waiting for your answer.......
I would not vote for McCain in the primary. I might relunctantly support him in the general. I don't like McCain for a lot of the things he has done in the past, he is unstable and McCain's desire to please the media makes him unpredictable. That said, he is better than anything the Dems will put out.
Thanks-
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