National Journal's political Insiders generally agreed across the aisle that the issue of immigration stands to help Democrats and hurt Republicans--at least on the margins--in the November elections.
Almost half of the Democratic Insiders said the immigration issue would "help a little" while a little more than a third said it would "help a lot." Among the Republican insiders, more than half believed immigration would "hurt a little," a handful predicted it would "hurt a lot," while three in ten said the issue would have "no effect."
How do you think the immigration issue will affect your party's prospects in November?
Democrats
(100 votes) Republicans
(100 votes) Help a lot 34% 1% Help a little 47% 8% No effect 14% 30% Hurt a little 5% 54% Hurt a lot 0% 7%
On both sides, there was recognition that courting Latinos, the nation's fastest growing voting bloc, was important to each party's viability not only in the next election, but in cycles to come, although the degree varied. National Journal Insiders registered their opinions on the issue as SB 1070, Arizona's tough immigration law, goes before the Supreme Court, inflaming passions on both sides.
"Republicans have chosen to be hostile to the idea of the melting pot. Historically, nationalistic zealotry has always had a backlash in presidential elections," one Republican Insider said.