I love the line about a "healthy tension" between states and the federal govt... YES.

The idea that he is using these issues to advance the campaign is understandable, but given the severe need for the measures in the first place it is a good thing.. altruistic or not.  Fact is, if he did not pursue Asian Carp, The Health care debacle, or assert sovereignty on the states right issues of protecting our borders, he would be called to the carpet for not doing his job by some.