According to the Washington Times, the debate over immigration policy within the Republican Party poses one of the greatest challenges for platform writers seeking to paint an image of party unity at the Republican national convention, which begins August 30 in New York.  Several Republicans involved in platform-committee activities have voiced efforts to temper some of the extremist views on immigration and avoid language that immigrants might perceive as “unwelcoming.”  Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo, who opposes President Bush’s “guest worker” proposal, prepares to persuade the platform committee to adopt a stricter stance regarding enforcement of immigration laws.  Tancredo may encounter opposition from the three chairpersons of the committee who more closely support the President’s immigration views: Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee, Colorado Governor Bill Owens, and Pennsylvania Representative Melissa A. Hart.

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According to the The Arizona Daily Star, Congressman Kolbe will be facing opposition as he runs for his 11^th term this year in the House of Representatives.  His long career as a Republican has made him the senior member of Arizona’s eight-man delegation in the House.  His opposition comes from Randy Graf, also a Republican with four years experience as a lawmaker.  Although the two disagree on various domestic policies, including abortion rights and health care, the main motivation for Graf to run is immigration.

Graf is opposed to a guest-worker proposal Kolbe introduced last year with two fellow Arizona Republicans, Sen. John McCain and Rep. Jeff Flake. He has said that he considers the proposal an amnesty plan for "lawbreakers" and is calling for stricter border security measures.  Undeterred by the long victorious record of Kolbe, Graf has said that he believes Kolbe's stance on immigration is why he needs to be voted out of office.

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According to The Washington Times, Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry recently stated during a tour at the Grand Canyon, that he will not get involved in the fight on the Protect Arizona Now initiative.  Kerry stated that he believes states should be allowed to make such decisions.  Though last year, he called the initiative, "both heartless and divisive."

If implemented, this initiative will deny state and local services to illegal immigrants and also require proof of U.S. citizenship before voting.   Polls show this initiative carries the support of three quarters of Arizona voters.  However, Kerry is currently working on securing votes in Northern Arizona and New Mexico, specifically amongst Hispanics and Native Americans who tend to vote Democratic.