I didn't hear much in Obama's State of the Union message to encourage those hoping for comprehensive immigration reform in 2010. In fact, Obama devoted only these 38 words to immigration:
"… And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system to secure our borders and enforce our laws and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nation."
The administration, bruised and battered from the ongoing health care reform battle, may have concluded that CIR is best left to a non-election year. This view is reinforced by a recent statement from John McCain that immigration reform is a "no-go".
And those looking for leadership from Sarah Palin were disappointed by her simplistic sound bites on the subject on the Glenn Beck Show, but at least she had more to say than the President.

Replying to a lead in from Beck on Ellis Island, Palin said, "Let me address legal immigration and we need to continue to be so welcoming and inviting of those who are represented there by our Statue of Liberty. The immigrants, of course, built this country. And I think Republicans, conservatives are at fault when we allow the other side to capture this immigration issue and try to turn this issue into something negative for Republicans. I think we need to recognize that again, immigrants built this great country. There are rules to follow if you want to be a part of this great country. Let's make sure people are following the rules. But let's welcome this."

Regardless when the debate heats up in the Senate, a version of the bill, perhaps one close to the House version (HR 4321) will eventually become law. I don't believe the Republicans can permanently stall or block CIR, despite a likely attempt by the Party of No to threaten yet another filibuster.
But will the President's verbal commitment to bipartisanship signal a serious effort by both parties to get this done this year?