Pubdate: Sat, 25 Jun 2005
Source: Quad-City Times (IA)
Copyright: 2005 Quad-City Times
Contact:  http://www.qctimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/857
Author: Dan Gearino

FELON VOTING RIGHTS ISSUE MAY SPUR LAWSUIT FROM GOP

DES MOINES - Iowa Senate Co-president Jeff Lamberti, R-Ankeny, said 
Friday that Republicans might sue Gov. Tom Vilsack to stop his 
planned executive order that would make it easier for convicted 
felons to restore their voting rights.

"It could be legal action against the executive order or legislative 
action down the road," he said, interviewed on the Iowa Public 
Television program "Iowa Press."

Lamberti said the Iowa GOP and several other groups are looking for 
the best way to fight the plan, which may include seeking an 
injunction to stop Vilsack from his scheduled signing of the order on 
the Fourth of July.

But Lamberti conceded that Vilsack might be on solid legal ground to 
make his order. He said the GOP would only sue if it can find "solid 
legal standing."

Vilsack announced his plan last Friday, flanked by members of civil 
rights groups, church leaders and the Iowa Civil Liberties Union. The 
executive order automatically would restore voting rights for felons 
who have completed their prison, parole and probation.

The current policy requires felons to apply for restoration of voting 
rights, then be approved by several layers of oversight, a process 
that can take up to six months.

After the executive order, eligible felons would automatically get 
their voting rights restored, a policy expected to give 500 to 600 
people the right to vote each month.

Republican leaders blasted the plan, saying it sends mixed messages 
about the consequences of crime

Looking ahead to the 2006 election, Lamberti said he is continiuing 
to explore running for the 3rd Congressional District seat currently 
help by Leonard Boswell, a Democrat.
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MAP posted-by: Beth