Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., a supporter of comprehensive immigration reform, echoed that it's wrong to assume reform can't happen in a GOP Congress. There are potential political advantages for Republicans to getting the immigration issue off the table before the 2012 presidential election.
Some strategists have warned that Republicans are running the risk of hurting their long-term electoral prospects by alienating Latinos, a fast-growing demographic that is increasingly influential in deciding who will occupy the White House. Action on immigration reform could help reverse a perception that the party is anti-immigrant while taking an issue away from Obama.
"Only Nixon could go to China - maybe only Republicans can do immigration reform," Flake said.
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