Crowds of people stood around waiting to shake Congressman Jeff Flake's hand, some even offering comments interspersed with advice. Flake graciously nodded and smiled at each person, easily talking with them one on one.

Congressman Jeff Flake is the Republican candidate for Senator, running against Richard Carmona for the seat Senator Jon Kyl is vacating. Kyl has endorsed Flake, but that doesn't mean it's an easy campaign.

Flake has served in the House of Representatives since 2001 and is best known for his battle against earmarks, which are expenditures tacked onto an unrelated bill, usually in an effort to secure a vote for the legislation. His battle led to censure and finally, acquiescence from both sides of the aisle.

One young woman stood back, solemnly watching Flake shake hands and greet those that had come out to meet him. She waited patiently for a private moment with the Congressman. 

When it was her turn, she asked simply, with tears in her eyes, "Where do you stand on immigration?"

Flake responded with the same seriousness, and explained that the border must be secured first, but after that, other issues regarding the immigrants who are here could be addressed.

"But how long will it take?" she asked Flake. He couldn't answer that truthfully, and didn't try to finesse. The issue is too complex, there are too many pieces to the puzzle to give a pat answer. Nobody knows how long the situation will remain in limbo, with both sides unhappy and frustrated.

Afterwards the young woman said, "I love my kids. I love my husband. And they should be here [in the United States]."

As for Congressman Flake, she said, "I think he was willing to listen to what I have to say."

Flake talks about immigration, debt, earmarks and hope in the video below.

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