Reply #15: Bush, Rove Press Congress on Illegal-Worker Proposal

[papau]

Finally a level of detail that the media can analyse - can't wait for Lou Doobs report tonight!

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-immig23sep23,0,4132562.story?track=tottext

Bush, Rove Press Congress on Illegal-Worker Proposal
By Mary Curtius
Times Staff Writer

September 23, 2005

WASHINGTON — White House political strategist Karl Rove is offering lawmakers new details of an administration-backed guest worker program that would temporarily legalize the status of millions of illegal workers, according to Republicans who have attended the meetings.

The White House effort is seen as its latest step toward reasserting President Bush's leadership on one of the most divisive issues confronting the Republican Party.

Concerned that increasingly strident anti-immigrant voices within the party were undermining the administration's efforts to reach out to Latino voters, the administration formed a coalition of business groups and immigration advocates during the summer to lobby for the sort of comprehensive plan Bush has advocated since early in his presidency.

Some lawmakers see the recent White House sessions as evidence that Bush intends to pursue his plan as soon as this fall — despite the strains Hurricane Katrina has put on the legislative agenda and despite ongoing opposition within his party.
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