Utah Lawmakers Defend Bill to Bypass Voters-"We Know More Than The Voters"

[kpete]

Utah Lawmakers Defend Bill to Bypass Voters
By Matt Canham
The Salt Lake Tribune



Utah's Republican senators want to lead the charge nationwide to recapture some of the power state legislatures once held before a constitutional amendment allowed people to vote for their U.S. senators directly.

Utah Senate President John Valentine said SB156, which would allow legislators to pick Senate candidates, as long as the political parties agreed, has nothing to do with sitting Sens. Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett.

It's an effort to bolster the power of state leaders, who are more equipped to crack down on unfunded programs foisted upon the states by the U.S. Congress, he said.

"We know more than voters do," Valentine said. "They don't get the chance to hear all that we do." The legislation would also allow lawmakers to "direct" senators by making requests.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3435123

[sinkingfeeling]

1. What's that I hear? Oh, the tromping of heavy boots.

[yourout]

2. Insanely bad idea.

So all it would take to get or stay elected would be bribing or blackmailing a few people instead of thousands.

To hell with what the people want! We the government know what is good for you. Sarcasm off.

How can anyone with brain cell one think this is a good idea?

[bush_is_wacko]

3. Actually, our founding fathers thought the same thing but 200 years of

democracy has supposedly changed that line of thinking. At least I thought it had until about 6 years ago!

This is the same line of reasoning our preznit is using with regard to "domestic spying." Gotta love the new name change though. He is rolling with the punches isn't he? :sarcasm:

[classof56]

4. Hey--look at it this way. Think of all the time that will be saved...

Not having to make those trips to polling places. This could catch on nationwide--Bush & Minions will love it!

Geez!

Tired Old Cynic