Lawmakers take immigration battle to ballot box
Both parties think their immigration message will fire up their base in the midterm elections, ensuring a clash on the campaign trail over one of the most divisive issues facing Congress.
Democrats are slamming Republicans for failing to address the plight of “Dreamers” and families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border, labeling the Trump administration as inhumane and accusing GOP leaders of being ineffective.
Trump, meanwhile, is calling attention to the crimes committed by immigrants in the country illegally and MS-13 gang members and drumming up fear that the Democrats want open borders, resurrecting the same anti-immigration rhetoric he used on the 2016 campaign trail.
“As a base mobilizer, it’s an effective issue,” said GOP strategist Matt Mackowiak.
“But it’s effective for both sides,” he added.
Amplifying the issue, however, could be a risky gambit for vulnerable GOP lawmakers who are up for reelection in suburban and moderate swing districts.
A lot of the competitive races are in suburban districts with upper-class independents and Republicans,” said Brad Bannon, a Democratic strategist. “They aren’t preoccupied with MS-13. They care about these kids at the border.”
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/394888-lawmakers-take-immigration-battle-to-ballot-box?userid=229233
