Posted on 12/08/2008 7:42:10 PM PST by Free ThinkerNY
Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) allies on immigration reform regard his departure from the Judiciary Committee as a withering blow to their cause and are searching for a new champion on the controversial issue.
Many are interpreting his decision to focus on healthcare as a setback to legislation that would put millions of illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship.
Kennedy’s own health has some speculating that the liberal icon sees healthcare as his best chance to augment his legacy while he battles brain cancer.
“I think it’s more than possible that he’s gotten a little older and has health issues himself and that’s hit home,” said Gabriela Lemus, executive director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. “He’s probably thinking about his legacy and this is the last big thing.”
Some see his decision to leave his post as chairman of the Judiciary Immigration subcommittee as a sign that Democrats will hold off on the topic in the 111th Congress.
“I’ve had this conversation with a couple people and I would say that Kennedy’s loss from the Judiciary Committee is disappointing,” said Randel Johnson, vice president of labor, immigration and employee benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which was a major supporter of Kennedy’s legislation. “It will adversely affect immigration reform going forward. It indicates the chances of comprehensive reform happening over the next few years are slim.”
But an aide to Kennedy dismissed the notion that his boss would abandon immigration reform altogether, noting that Kennedy promised to remain involved.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
We can only hope.
Scumbag’s legacy will always be chappaquiddick!
Kennedys legacy will always be Mary Jo... no matter how he tries to change it...
The first senator to turn a car into a submarine.
John Mccain to the rescue!!
U boat commander Ted.
Ted isn't going to be in Washington. That's why he's giving it up.
I won’t grieve when the old bastard kicks the bucket.
“Ted Dived, Mary Jo Died”
Nor will I. He's a murderer, a traitor (went behind Reagan's back to suck up to the Soviets) and a narcissist.
Well, we’ve had McCain-Feingold and McCain-Kennedy. Now McCain just needs to find a new partner.
Yep, they quite shooting one to soon.
Yeah, that's what it needs. Augmenting. Yeah. Fur shur.
Isn’t the “battle” over?
I heard it was terminal and January more or
less the end date.
Yup!
Isn't it interesting how the head Kennedy made his wealth in ILLEGAL bootleg liquor. Have you noticed how most of the relevant Kennedy's had alcohol problems? Hmmm?
Well, we’ve had McCain-Feingold and McCain-Kennedy. Now McCain just needs to find a new partner.
Oh, he’l find one.
There are plenty of RHINO’s to chose from.
ping
While that was a horrible event, his support for the Hart-Cellar Act is why we are knee deep in illegal aliens. That was far more damaging to the nation. He's anxious to strike another similar blow. Get that jackass out of a position of power before he does more damage.
ping
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