Orange County Register: McCain urges O.C. to speak up on immigration bill

[question everything]

Thursday, June 1, 2006
McCain urges O.C. to speak up on immigration bill
GOP senator says immigration bill needs Hispanic support.

By AMY TAXIN
The Orange County Register

IRVINE – Arizona Sen. John McCain on Wednesday urged Hispanic business and civic leaders in Orange County to show their support for the immigration overhaul bill passed by the Senate and persuade his opponents to climb aboard.

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"What happens in the next weeks, perhaps months but very likely weeks, will determine not just the issue of immigration in America, but in my view, define what America is all about," McCain, a Republican, told nearly 350 people in a speech at the Irvine Regency Hyatt organized by the Hispanic 100, an organization of local entrepreneurs.

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Manuel Ramirez, co-chairman of the Hispanic 100, said he hoped Congress wouldn't shy away from the issue as elections approach in November. "I think the senator came here because he needs help, and his bill is not going to pass without a significant effort," said Ramirez, a Republican.

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Attendees, including elected officials, attorneys and business owners, also talked about McCain's prospects should he seek the Republican party's 2008 presidential nomination. "A cynical person would say this is a good topic to attract Latino voters to his possible presidency quest," said Alfredo Amezcua, a Santa Ana attorney and a Democrat. "I am not that cynic. I think he came in good faith."

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1166005.php