Recalls about to get more difficult in MI, a LOT tougher - RWers having a legislative orgy [View all]

[Bozita]

December 13, 2012 at 10:35 pm
EM, lighting bills sent to Snyder; Senate OKs recall changes
By Chad Livengood and Karen Bouffard
Detroit News Lansing Bureau

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The recall election legislation would shorten the number of days in which petition signatures can be gathered from 90 to 60, and limit the number of recall attempts to one per lawmaker per term.

Supporters said it's needed to allow politicians to vote their consciences without having to worry about being recalled. All but one Democrat voted against the reforms, saying the right of recall is part of the Democratic process. Sen. John Gleason of Flushing was the sole Democrat to cast a Yes vote.

"I've seen too many good people be attacked for political reasons," Gleason said. "I think every single one of us should vote to end recalls in this state."

The legislation passed 22-16, and now heads to the House for concurrence. The lower chamber previously passed the bill, but must sign off on some changes made in the Senate version.

Sen. Tupac Hunter of Detroit called the legislation "cowardly, selfish, downright swinefully arrogant."

Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer said that like right-to-work legislation passed Tuesday, Republicans were rushing it through to avoid public scrutiny.

"You're trying to inoculate yourselves against recall," Whitmer said. "You should be ashamed of yourselves."


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From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121213/POLITICS02/212130469#ixzz2EzpLKpfd