azcentral.com
The near collapse of the McCain campaign in mid-2007 was widely attributed to his support for the comprehensive approach. His emergence as the presumptive nominee followed his declaration that he "got the message" and his switch to support for securing the borders before moving on a broader immigration agenda.
Charles Black, a senior adviser to the McCain campaign, said he believes Hispanics will credit McCain for his willingness "to sacrifice politically" in behalf of illegal immigrants, whom McCain often describes as "God's children," worthy of compassion and respect.
"We can do very well (with Hispanics)," Black said. "With their support, we can put a few states in play that might ordinarily not be in play for a Republican. That has been a top priority as we have organized for the general election."
One flash point in the McCain campaign is the role of Juan Hernandez, a Texas native who holds dual U.S. and Mexican citizenships and served in then-Mexican President Vicente Fox's Cabinet. As director of the Office of Mexicans Abroad, Hernandez played a key role in Fox's efforts to win legal status for undocumented Mexicans in the United State. Many anti-illegal-immigration activists have criticized McCain for welcoming Hernandez into his campaign.
Posted by tyne at April 24, 2008