Daily Political Wire 7-1-2010

George Wenschhof

This morning, President Obama will make a major push for Immigration Reform - he will lay out his goals for Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration bill this year. He will deliver his speech at American University in D.C. - you can read more here.

He will highlight accountability - the government's responsibility to secure our borders, businesses to be held accountable for hiring undocumented workers, and accountability for those who are in the country illegally.

Unfortunately, Congress has little will to tackle immigration reform this year after bruising battles on Health Care and Financial Reform and the looming debate on Energy/Climate legislation.

However, immigration reform is needed now. Adoption of a universal identification card would be a great start and should be easily agreed upon by all members of Congress. Enforcement of laws prohibiting employers from hiring undocumented workers could follow along with the strengthening of the nation's borders; both of which would not require comprehensive immigration reform.

The issue of how to "handle" the 11 million plus illegal immigrants currently residing in the country in regard to a reasonable pathway to citizenship could follow next year.

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U.S. Nationwide Unemployment continues to be a major problem - the "Recovery Summer" tour by the Obama administration is falling flat as they try to emphasize the successes of the 787 billion Stimulus bill.

Entering July, unemployment figures are expected to rise and hiring to slow. CNN.com has more here.

Figures are to be released tomorrow and it is expected hiring levels for June to be lower than March or April. In addition, Census workers (500,000 in total) are already being cut by the government.

To make matters worse, Republicans in Congress have blocked passage of funding for an extension of unemployment benefits.

I continue to call upon the Obama administration to implement a public service employment program. It is way past due.

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Case reopened as Former Vice President Al Gore denies inappropriate contact with massage therapist - a woman massage therapist claimed Gore made unwanted advances during a visit to his Hotel room in Oregon back in 2006.

The woman failed to appear to testify earlier and the case was closed. The Portland police are now reopening the case. The NY Times has more here.

A Gore spokesperson said they welcomed further investigation and that it would only serve to benefit Gore.

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New Gallup Poll show Independents favor Republicans by 10 points over Democrats - not a good sign for Democratic candidates facing tough elections this fall. Gallup.com has more here.

Since March, Gallup shows an average spread of ten points. However, the spread grew from March of 8 points to 12 points in June.

Independents voted heavily for Obama in the 2008 election.

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Senate fails to pass Wall Street Reform prior to July 4 recess - President Obama's goal of signing the bill prior to the recess was not reached as 60 votes were hard to come by in the Senate, especially with the absence of the late Senator Byrd (D-W,Va.).

Yesterday, the House narrowly passed the bill 237-192 with 19 Democrats voting against. TheHill.com has more here.

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