Though Arizona’s SB 1070 went into effect without its most controversial provisions, the legislation’s stated intent—attrition through enforcement—is nevertheless gaining traction among anti-immigrant legislators across the nation. In the wake of the law’s enactment, other states are coming out in support of Arizona, some developing policy modeled after SB 1070. Others even hope to alter the U.S. constitution to deny “birthright citizenship” to children of undocumented immigrants.

There is a lot of anger and frustration in the electorate this election cycle. It is seen in the Tea Party demonstrators (who get far more press than they proportionally deserve for the actual size of their movement) ; it can be seen in the grumbling on the Left, up to and including those who are flirting with bolting from the Democratic Party. This has lead to a slew of primary challenges to long term incumbents.

I am completely in favor of primary challenges, especially to Senators. It is fitting that a group of men and women who only have to face the voters every six years be required to get the endorsement of their party members before asking for their state to return them to Washington. If nothing else it keeps these very powerful politicians aware of the voters who they need to keep their job.

"Originally posted at Squarestate.net"

Which brings us to an interesting situation this cycle; there are two long term Senators who are both facing tough primary challenges. They are Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). What is interesting about these two is the lengths they have both gone to try to appeal to their bases, and keep their jobs.

by Erin Rosa, Media Consortium blogger

While federal lawmakers cautiously mull over the possibility of dropping a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year, legislators in Arizona have passed yet another law that criminalizes undocumented immigrants. What’s more, the Arizona House is advancing a bill that would require the Arizona Secretary of State to review President Barack Obama’s birth certificate before his name is allowed on any ballots. <