Talk Radio and the Immigration Debate

The immigration bill now in the Senate would beef up border security, create a guest-worker program and create new rules for newcomers, but a new poll shows that 65% of Americans think it's all about "amnesty" for 12 million undocumented workers.  The legislation is supported by President Bush and a fragile coalition of Democrats and Republicans who are feeling the heat of grassroots campaigning by the conservative right wing. Both Republican Senators from Georgia started out as co-sponsors, but backed off after an onslaught of phone calls, e-mails, faxes and letters sparked, in part, by conservative talk radio.  How influential are these and how did get that way?  When did they break ranks with President Bush?