Word: Chambliss’ ‘perfect’ flip-flop

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., endorsing the Senate immigration-reform compromise bill at its May 17 unveiling. He added that his legislative “language” already was in the bill:

The way you make good laws is to have people on both sides of the aisle come together on a bill that none of us would think would be perfect but a bill that is perfect for the American people. … Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Kennedy … and others, I think we’ve seen a bill that is truly good for the American people. … It’s not in the interest of Republicans or Democrats. It is in the interest of the American people.

Chambliss, on Thursday after voting against the bill that he was for before he was against it:

Senator Isakson and I participated in the process early on because we wanted to ensure that our views and concerns were expressed and that, first and foremost, the border security triggers were included in the bill. I believe our contribution to the process was critical in strengthening key components of the legislation. While it wasn’t incumbent that everybody agree with the overall bill presented to the American people, it was important that we have a meeting of the minds to allow a full and fair debate on this critical issue. ... I will continue fighting for border security and I will continue to oppose amnesty for those who have broken our laws. Georgians demand no less than our fullest commitment to this critical issue.