The First Of What Might Be Many Falls

Thomas brought up the Sessions Amendment to immigration reform today, but the first story that deals with the steps being taken by Congress comes from Michelle Malkin; the Senate has rejected the idea of "enforcement," as the New York Times reports:

Senators cast their first votes on immigration legislation this afternoon, just as President Bush vowed to work closely with skeptical members of Congress on a comprehensive bill to fix a system that does not work.

The Senate defeated, 55 to 40, a proposal by Senator Johnny Isakson, Republican of Georgia, that lawmakers demand that border-security measures be in place before beginning a guest-worker program of the kind envisioned by President Bush.

The 55 senators rejected Mr. Isakson's argument that, if the Congress did not act now, it would have to a decade or so from now, and that "instead of 10 million or 12 million, it will be 24 million" illegal immigrants at issue.

Opponents of the Isakson measure (36 Democrats, 18 Republicans and the independent James Jeffords of Vermont) maintained that it would be an obstacle to the kind of comprehensive legislation that is needed.

One supporter of the Isakson measure was Senator Bill Frist, Republican of Tennessee and the Republican majority leader. "Border security first, foremost," he said in explaining his stand. But he went on to say that he supports eventual citizenship for illegals, even though "I would stop short of amnesty."

The list of the clueless reads as follows:

Bennett (UT)
Brownback (R-KS),
Chafee (RI),
Coleman (MN),
Collins (ME),
Craig (ID),
DeWine (OH),
Graham (SC),
Hagel (NE),
Lugar (IN),
Martinez (FL),
Murkowski (AK),
Shelby (AL),
Snow (ME),
Specter (PA),
Stevens (AK),
Voinovich (OH),
Warner (VA)

I do hope Hugh is paying attention to this list. There are a couple of names on this list that he has defended. I believe the time for Ms. Snowe and Mr. DeWine to have the support of base withheld. It is not time to bolster a GOP challenger in the primary. This should also apply to Sen. Lugar, and Lincoln Chafee. (Of course Chafee is gone; I would prefer a Democrat at this point, but the other seats must be saved for the GOP.)

It should also be noted that four Republicans did not vote. And all I can say is that two of them are among the "usual suspects."

Cochran (R-MS)
Gregg (R-NH)
Lott (R-MS)
McCain (R-AZ)

Quit the ranting. Quit the raving. Quit the nasty little things you are thinking and saying while you read this. Take Michelle's advice, Hugh's advice, and ours ... Pick up the damn phone, and lean on your senators! We have, and will continue to do so.

The Bunny ;)