Called DREAM Act Vote in 2010 a 2012 Political Stunt; Now Supports Idea of a GOP Version of DREAM Act in Run Up to 2012
Republicans are looking for a way to shore up their historically low standing with Latino voters. Senator Marco Rubio is reportedly developing a more Republican-friendly version of the DREAM Act in part to do just that.
Enter Senator John Cornyn of Texas. In 2010 he called attempts to pass the DREAM Act a political stunt. The bill passed the Democratic-controlled House in the lame duck session and won 55 votes in the Senate, but failed to become law when 92% of Republican senators, including Cornyn, voted against it.
Now, in 2012, and as head of the NRSC, Cornyn, along with Sen. John Thune, No. 3 in Senate leadership, seem to be embracing Rubio’s play. Is it any wonder we named him Hypocrite of the Year a year ago?
SHOT
- Houston Chronicle, June 2011: John Cornyn opposes latest version of DREAM Act, calling it a “political football.” Said Cornyn ““It had all of the hallmarks of a cynical effort to use the hopes and dreams of these young people as a political wedge in the run-up to the 2012 election.”
CHASER
- Politico April 19, 2012: Rubio’s DREAM puts Mitt in a bind. “Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), No. 3 in Senate leadership, and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, both said their party needs an immigration plan to talk about in the election season.” Referring to Rubio’s impending DREAM legislation, Thune added, “I think he’s working on what I think will be a Republican right-of-center solution that is consistent with our principles…And hopefully in the end, will be able to attract a good amount of Republican support.”
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