Specter 'optimistic' as protests highlight political ramifications

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Lawmakers traded blame Sunday over the impasse that left immigration legislation stalled last week in the Senate, expressing hope that the push for an election-year overhaul was not dead.

"I hope it's savable," said Sen. John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat. "I hope politics doesn't get in the way."

Sen. Arlen Specter, the Republican chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he is "optimistic," but quickly added "I'm always optimistic."

"There's a real risk of significant political fallout here," he told "Fox News Sunday."

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