Berkley renews criticism of Heller over immigration

Rep. Shelley Berkley's campaign on Monday renewed immigration as a wedge in the Nevada Senate race, declaring Sen. Dean Heller to be against "sensible reform" while she is "a true champion" for Hispanics.

The Democrat's campaign posted to its website new criticism of the Republican incumbent, seeking to reinforce her standing with the key voting community while raising questions about his.

Democrats have stepped up their criticism of Heller following his presentation earlier this month to Hispanic leaders during a breakfast meeting.

Heller told the group he was open to discussing immigration reform, including streamlining the process of becoming legal. He said he agrees Hispanics on "80 percent" of issues including job creation and family values.

But he said he remained opposed to the DREAM Act, a priority among Democrats and a number of Hispanic voter organizations.

The DREAM Act would offer a chance at citizenship to young people brought into the country illegally by their families if they attend college or serve in the military. Heller said such a law would provide benefits to illegal immigrants that should go to U.S. citizens.

Heller's opposition to the proposal is emblematic of an "anti-immigration agenda," Berkley's camp contended, while describing her as "a true champion for Nevada Hispanics."

Heller's campaign had no immediate comment. Earlier this month, it said a similar attack on Heller over immigration was "ridiculous."