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April 29, 2010
Eligibility Sponsor Fears GOP Protecting Obama
Eligibility sponsor fears GOP protecting Obama
Only this week left to vote on demand candidates prove 'natural born' status
A bill in Arizona that would require candidates for president to document their constitutional eligibility needs only an affirmative vote from the state Senate to advance to the governor, but its sponsor told WND she's concerned GOP leadership will end up protecting President Obama's secrets.
State Rep. Judy Burges, R-Skull Valley, told WND today her bill was approved by the House but now is being "held" by Senate President Robert Burns.
She explained Burns told her that in light of the controversy over the state's immigration law – targeted by pro-amnesty immigrants and open-border activists – "he didn't want to take on another one."
Burns was on the floor of the Senate or in caucus much of today and couldn't be reached directly for comment. A spokesman, Mike Philipsen, told WND only that the issue is "in the process." He did not respond to requests to confirm the bill will be given to senators for a vote.
Burns represents District 9 and is a Republican from Peoria. He serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Gov. Jan Brewer has not said whether she supports the bill.
Arizona has been targeted by calls for boycotts, violent protests and public ridicule for adopting a law that requires law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of people they stop. In effect, it makes being in the country illegally under federal requirements illegal under state law, too.
Public ridicule also has targeted the state for even considering a law that would require presidential candidates to document their eligibility, even though several other states also have adopted a similarly questioning stance.
The Arizona Republic quoted Democrats who said "presidential candidates already have to prove their citizenship," and it added, editorially, "Secretary of State Ken Bennett, who lives in the real world, not on conspiracy island, points out that it could be unconstitutional for a state to impose its own requirements on federal office."
The newspaper called the plan "worse than a foolish waste of time."
"It suggests Arizona is a place where any crackpot whim can be enshrined in law."
But Burges told WND the disputes over immigration laws make now the right time to advance the argument over Obama's eligibility to the level of state law.
"I think it is a perfect time," she said.
She noted that the state legislative session is scheduled to conclude this week, and next year's legislature may not be willing to look at the facts about Obama's eligibility.
At some point, I think, you have to do the best job for the greatest number of people," Burges said, echoing the feelings of Georgia state Rep. Mark Hatfield, who just days earlier introduced legislation modeled after Arizona's plan.
Both bills require documentation regarding a candidates "natural born" status.
Hatfield told WND his plan calls for a candidate to submit an affidavit regarding status, citizenship and age, and "append a document proving the natural born citizen status."
The Arizona plan calls for political parties to "submit an affidavit of the presidential candidate in which the presidential candidate states the candidate's citizenship and age and shall append to the affidavit documents that prove that the candidate is a natural born citizen. …"
Both documents provide that absent proof, the candidates name should not be on the ballot in that state.
Hatfield said it's really the responsibility of members of Congress to make sure a foreign-born individual or dual citizen isn't installed in the White House.
But he said without the leadership in Washington necessary to do that, it is up to states to tackle the issue. Arizona's plan is closest to adoption, awaiting only approval from the state Senate and a governor's signature.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Oklahoma also has pending in a legislative committee a referendum that could be put before voters.
Wild Thing's comment.......
They need to keep pushing. AZ is doing a great job. Someone should tell Robert Burns that if you are taking flak, you are over the target. The target is ripe; it's time to pull the trigger. Damn the torpedoes — Full speed ahead.
I heard on the radio yesterday that Rep. Leo Berman (Tyler, Texas) was talking about introducing similar bill to Texas Legislature this session.
....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67
Posted by Wild Thing at April 29, 2010 06:47 AM
Comments
Once the criminals leave Arizona, it'll be a real decent place to live.
Posted by: BobF at April 29, 2010 09:33 AM
Too many weak Rinos in the GOP. Time for cleanup in November.
I worked for Leo Berman 30 years ago when he made a run for the US House from D/FW. He is now a Texas state rep and is a true conservative. Tyler is just one of many very conservative areas of Texas. Also, Berman is a retired US Army LtCol. and Vietnam vet.
Posted by: TomR at April 29, 2010 10:58 AM
Amazing how obama looks the other way when the illegals are killing American citizens but let them be Tea Party he calls out the Riot Police. Obama did this recently in Illonois. A bunch of old ladies showed up. Obama is the biggest pussy on the planet.
Posted by: Mark at April 29, 2010 07:09 PM
Thank you for all of your input.
BobF.,it sure will be. They have a lot to be afraid of till they crack down on the illegals there.
Tom, very interesting, thank you for the information.
Mark, yes the freaking riot police. sheesh.Thanks Mark.
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 30, 2010 05:03 AM
