Good news: Kennedy has given littleconsolation to his allies in the effort to pass sweeping legislation, agoal that critics deride as “amnesty” for illegal workers. (It IS amnesty — Ed.)
Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) allies on immigration reform regardhis departure from the Judiciary Committee as a withering blow to theircause and are searching for a new champion on the controversial issue.
Manyare interpreting his decision to focus on healthcare as a setback tolegislation that would put millions of illegal immigrants on a path tocitizenship. Kennedy’s own health has some speculating that the liberal icon seeshealthcare as his best chance to augment his legacy while he battlesbrain cancer.
“I think it’s more than possible that he’sgotten a little older and has health issues himself and that’s hithome,” said Gabriela Lemus, executive director of the Labor Council forLatin American Advancement. “He’s probably thinking about his legacyand this is the last big thing.”
Some see his decision toleave his post as chairman of the Judiciary Immigration subcommittee asa 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 saythat Kennedy’s loss from the Judiciary Committee is disappointing,”said Randel Johnson, vice president of labor, immigration and employeebenefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which was a major supporterof Kennedy’s legislation. “It will adversely affect immigration reformgoing forward. It indicates the chances of comprehensive reformhappening over the next few years are slim.”
But an aide toKennedy dismissed the notion that his boss would abandon immigrationreform altogether, noting that Kennedy promised to remain involved.
WhenKennedy announced that he would step down from Judiciary and give uphis gavel as chairman of the Immigration subcommittee, he said: “Iremain deeply committed to civil rights, equal opportunities andimmigration reform, and I will always be involved in those importantdebates and discussions.”