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Illegal immigration out of sight, not out of mind of Nevada voters

Illegal immigration might have become a back-burner issue to some politicians, but a new poll shows the issue remains a hot topic with Southern Nevada voters.

A survey by Marvin Longabaugh of Magellan Research leaves little doubt where local voters stand: 79.2 percent of those recently polled believe illegal immigration is a "major problem." Just 16.2 percent call it a "minor problem." Along political lines, 87.8 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Democrats surveyed said they believed it was a major problem.

Back in April 2006, a Glen Bolger poll indicated that 62 percent of Nevadans were "very concerned" with the issue. It's easy to speculate that the rise in the poll is related to the worsening economy and the tightening job market.

Those surveyed substantially favored building a 700-mile fence along the Mexico-U.S. border to help keep illegal aliens out, 62.2 percent to 31.7 percent.

One area that might surprise even those who favor getting tough on immigration issues is the subject of recognizing English as our national language. It's not even close: 89.9 percent of voters favor making it official. Just 7.6 percent don't think it's necessary.

Despite the apparent hard line, a majority of voters surveyed also endorse having illegals register with the government and start along a pathway to citizenship. In fact, 68 percent of those polled believe it's a good idea with 24.6 percent disagreeing.

The immigration questions were part of a much larger poll conducted by Magellan on behalf of the Police Protective Association.

The question is, will some politicians attempt to take advantage of that strong sentiment among voters in an election year that finds both major presidential candidates with measured approaches to the subject?

RAISING McCAIN: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is known as a man who measures his words carefully, but on Wednesday at the Review-Journal, the former boxer pummeled GOP presidential hopeful and fellow Senate member John McCain like an old heavy bag.

Speaking in a room crowded with reporters, Reid let fly.

"Let me just briefly get this out of the way," Reid said. "I've served with John McCain 26 years. We came to Washington together. We went to the Senate in '86 at the same time. I think I have the credentials to talk about somebody I've served with on a very close, personal basis for 26 years. And I don't know how else to say it, but he does not have the right temperament to be president. He's wrong on the war. He's wrong on the economy. He's wrong on Yucca Mountain. He's wrong on trying to take away our race and sports books. I don't want you to just take my word for this because a lot of people say, 'That's how you feel, you're prejudiced.' "

Reid then removed a slip of paper from his wallet with a quote from Republican Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi. Cochran was elected to the Senate in 1978.

Reid read, "'The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper, and he worries me.' ... Even though other Republican senators aren't as courageous as Cochran, they all feel that way. I repeat, he doesn't have the temperament to be president."

Reid neglected to mention that Cochran endorsed McCain earlier this year.

$1 MILLION MAN: Three cheers for casino man Terry Caudill for bringing back the $1 million display to Binion's. In the new version, the cash will be stacked on a poker table.

In Benny Binion's original, the $1 million was displayed inside a horseshoe and provided a photo opportunity for generations of downtown visitors.

The $1 million horseshoe was a hall-of-fame come-on.

NICE BIRDS: Those who define "natural beauty" in Southern Nevada as an exotic dancer who hasn't had breast implants will be surprised to learn about the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary at 8103 Racel St. in the northwest end of the valley. It's filled with wildlife suitable for the whole family and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

ON THE BOULEVARD: A local tells the recent story of the Spanish Trail resident who lost her dog; after growing impatient with the search, she took out across the development's golf course in search of her pet -- from behind the wheel of a Hummer.

Those divots might be hard to replace.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.

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