We’re getting preliminary indications that there might be support for a phased-in approach from Senate Republican conferees, and not just Cornyn and Kyl. The idea would be first to have benchmarks for success in interior and border enforcement, and then move on to a much more limited amnesty and possibly a guest-workers program. If Republicans could forge a compromise around this approach, it would be a big deal. It would leave it to Democrats to explain why they oppose–as they probably would–tougher enforcement, and possibly turn the politics of the issue around. Alternatively, if enough Democrats supported it, Republicans could pass sensible legislation addressing an important national issue, which could only help them.