Immigration, immigration, immigration

Two rising-star Democrats have declared states of emergency in their states regarding border security and illegal immigration. Gov. Janet Napolitano of Arizona and Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico have sounded the alarm for these concerns. Even California's Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, supports the declaration even though he stopped short of a similar declaration in his own state.

Democrats seem to be "triangulating" this issue -- focusing discontent among Democrats, moderates and even those upset in the president's own base. Richardson is a potential presidential candidate himself.

The Arizona Republic analyzes the situation in a report this week. Of course, this story got good play on CNN, particularly the Lou Dobbs Tonight show, where border issues and various outsourcing crises get regular treatment.

Personally, I think the Democrats are right to raise this issue. Republicans use this as a wedge issue -- scaring Americans into voting for so-called "get tough" conservatives who, once in office, do little to solve any of the problem abroad or domestically. The move by Napolitano and Richardson is a very Clintonian strategy. Napolitano is a good example of the new Southwest voter -- a conservative Democrat who can win by cobbling a coalition of Hispanics and traditional liberals.

In 2008, the Southwest will be increasingly important, and with an incrase in Democrats in office in the West and Southwest, I don't think the Republicans can lay claim to the entire Sun Belt any longer.

-- Wenatchee, Wash.