by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

I've seen some sniping about driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants in the presidential race, and I just don't get it. Perhaps granting driver's licenses is a reasonable framing for the state level, but it simply is not an issue that our president will need to address. And at any rate, both candidates support them. You see they both support comprehensive immigration reform.

From Senator Clinton:

Hillary has consistently called for comprehensive immigration reform that respects our immigrant heritage and honors the rule of law. She believes comprehensive reform must have as essential ingredients a strengthening of our borders, greater cross-cooperation with our neighbors, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, federal assistance to our state and local governments, strict penalties for those who exploit undocumented workers, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar. (Emphasis added, HillaryClinton.com)

From Senator Obama:

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Legal immigrants are pushing to raise the number of visas issued every year. Kim Berry,president of the Programmers' Guild, said, "It takes years for thegreen card sponsorship to happen, and they can't leave, can't ask for araise unless they want to lose their place in line." Green cards arelimited to 140,000 each year.

California's share of federal spending is at the lowest it has been in decades. Observers attribute the trendto changes in Pentagon spending from aerospace manufacturing to groundsupport.

Today's LA Times reports on Barack Obama's "star power," and why Clinton is consistently fielding better poll numbers than Obamadespite his image. "He's raised money in unbelievable amounts,generated tremendous enthusiasm . . . and vast amounts of publicity.And those advantages were not given to him on a silver platter. Heearned them. There is something unique and special about this guy, andI don't know why that has not translated into more support," saidDemocratic pollster Mark Mellman.

Image courtesy of the LA Times.