Senator McCain's comments today on Arizona's law were reprehensible. What a stunning flip-flop from a man who dismissed the US House of Representatives 2005 proposal, the so-called Sensenbrenner bill, as "anti-Hispanic."

McCain said that this misguided, racist, and possibly unconstitutional bill is a "very important step forward." He is exactly wrong. This legislation would create a toxic atmosphere of fear and panic and subject innocent Arizonans to racial profiling.  In the United States of America, no one should have to be afraid in their own home, to send their children to school, or to walk down the street.

McCain's comments may be good politics in a bruising 2010 Republican primary, but it's terrible long-term politics for the GOP. Just last week, Senator Jon Kyl promised to filibuster comprehensive immigration reform. Maybe Senator Kyl and Senator McCain think it's wise to pander to the extreme of their party by picking a fight with the nation's largest - and growing - minority group. Demographics, however, say otherwise. The GOP must ask itself what kind of party it wants to be - the kind of party that has a big tent and solves problems for America, or the kind of party that appeals to its worst elements.

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 Contact:

Martine Apodaca (202) 383-5989