Unlikely political pairing hits Chicago: Paul Ryan and Luis Gutierrez stump on immigration

This morning immigration rights activist and Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill) will share the microphone with an unlikely collaborator — Tea Party darling Paul Ryan (R-WI).

The two are joining up to call on an immigration reform package to advance in Washington.

First, they’ll appear at the Erie House at 10 a.m. Gutierrez and Ryan — Mitt Romney’s pick as his vice president candidate in the 2012 election — will talk with an anticipated group of more than 200 about what’s needed to change immigration.

They’ll later join up for a talk in front of the City Club of Chicago this afternoon.

Having Ryan join up with Gutierrez is another clear sign that Republicans are increasingly realizing they must move away from a reputation as a party of exclusion.

“Congressmen Gutierrez and Ryan may come from different states, political parties, and points of view on many issues, but they are working together to make sure the House of Representatives moves forward towards reform to strengthen the American economy, and live up to our values as a nation of immigrants, a nation of laws, and a nation that honors families,” said a statement on the event.