Immigration Issue Gets Little Attention On Convention Floor

People take the oath of citizenship during naturalization ceremonies at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (By David Mcnew -- Getty Images)

But while Republicans are pleased to have averted an internal immigration squabble, the nomination of McCain might rob the party of one of its most potent issues in congressional races in November.

Last year many Republicans viewed immigration as a potential ace in the hole, thinking the vast majority of the public opposed the comprehensive plan backed by most Democrats, as well as McCain. Now, Democrats argue, that avenue is closed for the GOP.

"You've got the co-author of the Kennedy-McCain bill at the top of the ticket, so that's taken the edge off the attack for Republicans," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "What we're also seeing is it's become less of an issue in a lot of congressional races."

Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, agreed that the immigration issue is no longer "as potent as it was. . . . The real issue is energy and the economy."

Although McCain might have mollified his internal critics for now, he has tried during the campaign to maintain his identity as a moderate on the issue. In an ad his campaign aired in July in three Western states, McCain is shown at a GOP primary debate praising the contributions of Hispanic members of the military, including those "willing to risk their lives in its service in order to accelerate their path to citizenship and enjoy the bountiful, blessed nation." The ad featured a shot of a stone-faced Tancredo watching McCain speak.

Tancredo and others on his side of the debate say they will watch McCain for any signs of backsliding.

"The point he uses over and over again is that he has gotten the message. I guess we all wonder exactly what that means," Tancredo said. "This issue's not going away. That is one thing I can assure you."