Current Event

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 25, 2010 (full article available on line)

Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen sought approval Thursday to sue the federal government over new health care legislation, but Democrats who control most of state government quickly shot him down.

"This is an issue of the federal government overreaching beyond what constitutional powers they have, which is an assault on (the Legislature's) powers," Van Hollen said.

More than a dozen attorneys general have filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of vast changes to the health care system approved by Congress, but Van Hollen can't join them without authorization from Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle or one of the houses of the Legislature, both of which are controlled by Democrats. Doyle and legislative leaders said they would not grant permission.

"The lawsuit you suggest is a frivolous and political attempt to thwart the actions of Congress and the law of the country," Doyle wrote in a letter to Van Hollen. "The State of Wisconsin will not enter into litigation intended to deny health care for tens of thousands of residents."

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VS

State vs. Federal Authority

Founding Document

The US Constitution: Tenth Amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

We the People:

Van Hollen is on rock-solid ground according the US Constitution. The lawsuit was “shot down” because of party partisanship. Obviously Governor Doyle and some Democratic State party leaders are more inclined to succumb to the national mandate than to enforce our state’s constitutional power and sovereignty. However others may be looking for a political lifesaver for this year’s elections. Some may be more loyal to their oaths of office and the Wisconsin people than the Democratic National Committee. But the people must support them. As someone once said; The constitution is only words if the people do not help enforce the limits it places on elected officials.

We only need a three more in the State Senate to support this lawsuit in order for Van Hollen to proceed. If you have relatives or friends in the districts of the following State Senators, please urge them to contact them in support of our Attorney General’s constitutional challenge.

Tim Carpenter (D); Milwaukee, WI 53215

Spencer Coggs (D); Milwaukee 53222

Russell Decker (D); Wausau, WI 54401

Jon Erpenbach; Waunekee 53597

Dave Hansen (D); Green Bay 54303

Jim Holperin (D); Conover 54516

Robert Jauch (D); Poplar, WI 54864

Pat Kreitlow (D);Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Julie Lassa (D); Stevens Point 54481

John Lehman (D);Racine, WI 53405

Mark Miller (D); Monona 53716

Jeffrey Plale (D); South Milwaukee, WI 53172

Fred Risser (D); Madison. 53703

Judy Robson (D); Beloit 53511

Jim Sullivan (D); Wauwatosa, WI 53213

Lena Taylor (D); Milwaukee 53206

Kathleen Vinehout (D); Eau Claire, WI 54702

Robert Wirch (D); Pleasant Prairie 63158