Bridging the Gaps

Congressman Denham votes among partisan lines in 89% of the time, in particular along Republican lines (Washington Post). It is rare for Congressman Denham to not only vote against Republican policy, but also support and side with Democratic ideals, reform and initiatives. This is precisely what has happened over the course of this past week on Capitol Hill. Congressman Denham became the “… first republican co-sponsor of a comprehensive immigration overhaul measure sponsored by 185 Democrats.” (Dumain) This proactive role by Congressman Denham to create a bi- partisan bill that would directly affect millions of immigrants in the United States is an attempt to illustrate fellow Republicans as politicians who are wiling to compromise and work together to progress our nation and society as well as attempt to pave a pathway to citizenship for these very immigrants that currently reside in the U.S. (Dumain).

            Congressman Denham is attempting to gain robust support from fellow Republicans in the house to support the Democratic immigration reform. As said by Congressman Denham, “The more Republicans we can get on this, the more we can show this is a bi-partisan bill, the more it will elevate this issue…” to the American people (Dumain). Although projected to be a tough sell, Congressman Denham is actively driving the conversation on immigration reform, a sign of strong leadership.

            This initiative, unpopular to many in the Republican Party, has already garnered gained support from prominent leaders. House Majority leader Eric Cantor as well as Budget Chairmen Paul Ryan has previously attempted to persuade their colleagues to support overhaul (Dumain).  Truly attempting to illustrate and pass bi-partisan legislation, House Republicans have begun to support this reform. House member David Valadado of California and Lleane Ros Lehtinen of Florida has begun the movement (Shabad).

With support of the Democratic Party and House minority leader Nancy Pelosi to introduce this reform on the House floor, Congressman Denham’s proactive role in pushing immigration reform illustrates his attempt to bridge the differences and gaps between Democratic and Republican ideals. With a target on his back in the next election in a swing district in California (10^th), this could possibly save him, as 40% of the population of his district is Hispanic.

Sources

http://blogs.rollcall.com/218/denhams-immigration-crusade/

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/homenews/188711-gopers-breaking-away-on-immigration

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/D000612