A frontpage headline in yesterday's Washington Post neatly explained what will be responsible for blocking "comprehensive" immigration reform. "Immigration Deal at Risk as House GOP Looks to Voters" topped a story about Republicans of every stripe objecting to citizenship for illegal aliens owing to the negative reaction of their constituents to the Senate's handiwork. The article explained that GOP members in tough races are "overwhelmingly" opposed to the path to citizenship (note: in a sign of the growing confidence that they are on the right side in this debate, opponents are increasingly opposing the president's plan by using his preferred terminology rather than arguing over whether or not it amounts to an amnesty) because of "an election-year dynamic" that has them actually listening to what their voters want.

P.S. Of course after the election politicians can go back to ignoring the public's sentiments and some veteran congressional insiders worry that members will posture and delay until a lame-duck session when they will roll opponents and push through a bill Teddy Kennedy would love.