McCain, Obama square off over crucial Hispanic votes

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-30  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

PRESIDENTIAL rivals John McCain and Barack Obama are vying for the support of Hispanics, beginning a four-month courtship of a pivotal voting constituency by sparring over United States immigration policy.

McCain called the subject his "top priority," while Obama accusing the Republican of caving in to conservatives on the issue and backing away from a pledge for wide reform.

The two spoke separately on Saturday to about 700 Hispanics who were attending the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference in Washington.

It was the first of three such appearances each candidate is scheduled to make to Hispanic organizations in less than a month, underscoring the importance of voters expected to carry a great deal of weight in such battlegrounds as Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and other western states.

Both McCain and Obama support an eventual path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants, but Hispanics will be paying careful attention to what is said on the subject. Obama accuses of McCain of stepping back from his relatively liberal stance after pressure from within his party.

McCain co-sponsored broad bipartisan Senate legislation last year that would have overhauled the immigration system and improved border security; the legislation split the Republican Party as critics pushed for a border-enforcement-only approach.

After the measure failed, and in the heat of the Republican nomination race, McCain emphasized the need to secure the borders first before enacting other still-needed reforms.

The Republican drew sustained applause on Saturday after answering the question of whether "comprehensive immigration reform" - and not just enforcement - would be a top priority in his first 100 days in office.

"It will be my top priority yesterday, today and tomorrow," McCain said.