Issues to watch

2010 Preview | 2010 will likely have its own defining political issues set against the backdrop of what could be volatile midterm elections | The Editors

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Last year was the year of healthcare and the stimulus in Washington. And while those topics will continue to garner headlines in the new year, 2010 will likely have its own defining political issues set against the backdrop of what could be volatile midterm elections. Will Democrats slow down their push toward bigger gov­ernment and social change in the face of a voter backlash, or will they see 2010 as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enact their agenda regardless of the electoral consequences? Will liberal groups succeed in restricting religious expression and the rights of conscience of healthcare workers as government expands its reach? How the following issues play out will provide answers to those questions.

Immigration

Once the Obama administration has turned its attention from healthcare, dealing with the nation's 12 million illegal aliens will take precedence. The administration has said that it would like to see a comprehensive immigration reform bill next year—one cracking down on businesses that hire illegal aliens and reforming immigration fraud laws, while at the same time bringing illegal aliens "out of the shadows" to forge a pathway toward legal status. House Democrats have just proposed a strongly pro-immigration bill and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has said that he wants to see a debate within the first half of next year.