The similarities are plentiful. Both congressmen are Republican. Both represent central California -- their districts share a border. Both are recently elected to Congress. Both have outspoken positions on immigration reform. And that's where the similarities end. Republican v. Republican Rep. Jeff Denham, who represents California's 10th Congressional District, is actively lobbying his Republican colleagues to get on board behind immigration legislation that includes a path to legalization. "The entire system is broken," Denham said in a recent interview with CNN. "It's a big issue for our nation. It is a big issue for California and for my home district."
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Two neighboring California Republicans represent the GOP's challenge on immigration
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Rep. Jeff Denham backs immigration reform while Rep. Tom McClintock is fighting it
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An estimated 2 ½ million of the 11 million undocumented immigrants live in California
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House Speaker John Boehner recently unveiled immigration principles to his caucus
Tom McClintock
His congressional neighbor and fellow Republican, Rep. @placeholder, couldn't disagree more.
Jeff Denham
Denham
Jeff Denham
@placeholder's district, which is adjacent to McClintock's, is so close in proximity yet so far in ideology.
Tom McClintock
@placeholder and Denham "reflect the complex topography of California, but at the same time, their positions are reflected in their constituents," Lai said.
Jeff Denham
Denham
Jeff Denham
"I've seen it in my own home district where families have been torn apart," @placeholder said, describing the current maze of immigration laws and enforcement.
Jeff Denham
Denham
Jeff Denham
While @placeholder might be a minority in his caucus, that minority might have the momentum.