SOFT TOUCHES, BUT TOUGH SOUNDING:

Poll: Immigration top issue: Majority of voters back 'tough but fair' path to citizenship (Myung Oak Kim, September 18, 2006, Rocky Mountain News)

Nearly two of every three Colorado voters think illegal immigrants should be allowed to become U.S. citizens if they pay taxes, learn English and meet other requirements, according to a new Rocky Mountain News/CBS 4 poll.

Only 15 percent of those polled favor mass deportations.

"People want to be tough but fair," said pollster Lori Weigel. "It's like many issues. You tend to hear from extremes on both ends. Clearly, this data indicate that there's a silent majority that is supportive of a more middle-ground approach."