I know, another crazy move out of Indiana. However, the ALEC Handbook teaching states how to do just that is an indication that the idea has been percolating.
So many states are in the grips of the GOP. Could the GOP pull this off?
I recommend perusing The ALEC handbook to learn the tactics that ALEC has distributed to GOP State Legislators. Here's the link:
ALEC's Well-Written Handbook for States: How to change the US Constitution
Ind. Senate calls for U.S. constitutional convention
For the record, there are 26 GOP Controlled states 7 states short of the 33% of states needed to pass. See list of states here:
http://www.statescape.com/...
Indiana would seek a U.S. constitutional convention — the first ever called by the states — under a measure that passed the Senate on Tuesday.
The idea is being pushed by Senate President Pro Tempore David Long. When the Fort Wayne Republican found himself under fire from conservatives and tea party activists for blocking bills that defy the federal government — bills Long said were unconstitutional — he came up with an answer: Rewrite the constitution.
Long’s resolution, if it clears the House, will make Indiana the first state to seek a constitutional convention this year limited to two issues: restricting the federal government’s use of the interstate commerce provision and its taxing authority.
Long just needs 33 more states to agree. It takes two-thirds of the states to agree to invoke Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution to call for a constitutional convention to rewrite some or all of the document.
Tuesday, Long — in a fiery speech — said that “states’ rights have all but disappeared” by compelling states to go along with federal mandates by threatening to withhold funds.
The timing is interesting. CPAC and all that.
Your thoughts? Should this be taken seriously? I see this as one more motivating factor to GOTV IN 2014, like our very lives depend on ousting the GOP from all seats of power, from dog catcher on up.