Tancredo has wrested the title of Democrats' best friend back from Bush.

It's pretty obvious who the Hispanics will blame for lack of reasonable immigration reform. (Not the Democrats.)

Not that this bill was that--but it had the potential--if Bush had been really willing to tell the rabid restrictionists in his own party to go pound sand--and instead signed onto a bill without "touchback" and without a $5,000 fine--maybe $500. Business interests would likely have backed such a bill. And with sizable Democratic help, it could have made it through.

Now he gets the worst of all worlds. No bill--but still the deep distrust of a huge segment of his party.

Tancredo certainly led his forces to glory today.

Too bad that the next time the issue comes up--after the 2008 election--the makeup of Congress will have changed. And Tancredo will have a bill he likes even less---with fewer of his forces there to fight it off. And more--completely legal--Hispanic voters.

Well done. Good job.