The Republican coalition is asunder – and it’s not going to heal easily. We just had one part of that coalition tell another part, “(Screw) you”, and that is going to linger among the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Wall Street Journal Republicans.

I certainly feel little enthusiasm for my state legislative races – not after my state senator labeled President Bush an “alleged conservative” (never mind his stalwart stands on pro-life issues, tax cuts, and the global war on terror). Quite frankly, I don’t see why I should spend much time or effort on behalf of people like that.

I’d like one good reason to continue working on behalf of folks who seem to hold me in some form of contempt because I differ with them on this issue.

If lawmakers perceive that taking no action will hurt them in 2008, they might do a 180 and support amendments they previously rejected (like Coburn’s.)

On the other hand, if lawmakers determine that taking no action is what most Americans prefer (given the alternative), then yes indeed any attempts at illegal immigration reform will be DOA — enforcement first, amnesty first, or what have you.