David Waid's Blog

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has already revolutionized American political campaigns with a Web-based network that by latest news reports is 5 million members strong. But hefty fundraising, rapid response and the ability to generate crowds of thousands on short notice are just the forerunners of the change his network will bring about if Obama is elected president.

In poll after poll, illegal immigration comes in as No. 1 on the list of issues concerning Arizonans. It's a subject that resonates across demographic lines: Republican or Democrat, male or female, urban or ex-urban. Even Hispanic voters will list this as a major concern. The term "wedge issue" seems almost invented for illegal immigration but probably not in the way the GOP has envisioned. This defining issue is now driving some of the most important fractures in the Republican Party's base and its impact is likely to be felt far beyond this year's presidential contest.

Although it was spectacularly ineffective in the 2006 cycle, many Republican politicians still see illegal immigration as a vehicle for advancement. Congress has its grandstanders like retiring U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado but Arizona locals have been sure to get in on the action. For instance, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has targeted Hispanic communities with sweeps designed to nab illegal immigrants but which also routinely net brown-skinned American citizens.