Eric Cantor Defeat Imperils Prospects for Immigration Overhaul

The defeat Tuesday of  House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to an underfunded challenger who ran as an immigration opponent is likely to further weaken already shaky prospects the House will consider immigration legislation this summer.

 

For months, Republicans have worried an immigration debate could make incumbents vulnerable to primary challenges from the right, and have put off any House action at least until after primary season. Tuesday’s primaries were the last hurdle before what was expected to be a final push by immigration advocates for action.

 

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“Politics is full of surprises but one basic rule is not to lose touch with the people you represent. While Eric Cantor’s loss will be attributed to many things, it was fundamentally about a congressman who spent far too much time in the Beltway and too little time talking with the people who elected him to lead,” said Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, a pro-immigration religious group.