Scott Hennen’s interview with Rick Santorum
WASHINGTON – Former Republican Senator of Pennsylvania and 2012 and 2016 presidential candidate Rick Santorum wants the South Dakota and Minnesota legislatures to pass a bill, and their governors to sign it into law, approving a constitution of states amendment like North Dakota has done.
Article V of the U.S. Constitution gives states the power to call a convention to propose constitutional amendments. It takes 34 states to call the convention and 38 to ratify proposed amendments. A constitution of states law is in the book in 19 states.
Supporters say the convention would only allow states to discuss amendments limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints and place term limits on federal officials.
Santorum was at the South Dakota Legislative session in Pierre where a convention of states bill has been introduced. It’s also been introduced in the Minnesota Senate.
“The founders took this provision in there to make sure the federal government didn’t become tyrannical, it didn’t threaten the freedom and prosperity of our country and they are. We’re accumulating over $1 trillion in debt every few months,” Santorum explained.
Santorum says if Democrats win the presidency, House and Senate in 2028, they’ll pass bills to put more seats on the Supreme Court and make Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. states. He believes a constitution of states would prevent that.
Watchdog group Common Cause opposes a constitution of states saying people taking part in it are unelected and unaccountable and delegates could write amendments to revoke the right to protest and freedom of religion.
