We (someone) need to launch a grassroots effort to put "recall" on the

[theophilus]

table in every State. If our elected officials don't do what the majority want to do in serious situations, especially in situations where they have promised to do such and such a thing, then it should be possible (not EASY but possible) to recall a Senator or Representative immediately. This waiting for elections for two or six years is just a recipe for disaster (as it is). What do you think?

[Cleita]

1. The problem is that the government bodies that

would pass the law at a federal level, are the same ones that would have to pass recall laws, the House of Representatives and the Senate. I don't think they will pass a law that would enable us to get rid of them. Also, I really don't like the recall statute. It can be abused and used for nefarious purposes like what happened in California, getting us a block of Austrian meat for a Governor. I'm afraid all we have is our vote. Believe me I'll bet the Republicans in Congress would like to get rid of the vote if they could too.

[pinto]

2. Don't favor recalls at all, except for criminal offenses. Recalls are generally decided by a small

percentage of voters. Lived through the Davis recall here in CA. Not a good result and clearly a "hit" from a small group of well-funded extremists.

I'm good with keeping elections as our routine recall. :hi:

[Journeyman]

3. The last time someone took an easy route to recall in my state. . .

we ended up with Arnold Schwarzenegger besting a pool of over 100 assorted clowns and idiots who wished to be governor. . .

[theophilus]

4. Well, obviously Californians think this a bad idea. I understand. It just chaps me that our

elected officials can disregard our will for so long and laugh it off. Any other suggestions? I mean a flash mob at their office, or their home, might get the thought across but that is difficult and will probably become more and more dangerous....

[Hangingon]

5. Not a good idea.

This could lead to chaos. And it is adouble edge sword.

[elehhhhna]

6. most state constitutions don't aloow for it anyway

no harm no foul

[freshwest]

7. Until we get equal time in the media, I think we should beware of astroturf movements.

If we didn't have guys buying governorships with millions of dollars and fake referendums by oil companies trying to derail good policies, I'd be all over the idea.

Right now the media is making up so many lies about good elected officials to push their Koch candidates across the country, the recalls would just be used to disrupt what voters and activists spent money and precious time getting in place.

And we need to consider what the meaning of 'what we sent them to do' really is. Did we send them to act like zealots or put them there to deal with people, that frankly, most voters would be run in circles by and never get anything done?

Just my opinion.

[WingDinger]

9. If we we're/are doin' what we posta, we wouldn't give a tinkers damn

about their astroturf. Put muscle behind any Dems speech/action, and we will scare the bejesus, or beelezebub out of them. That is what we need concern ourselves with. At every level. Organizing and showing up. Every sex, gender, heritage, age and social CLASS. Let them worry. We have enough to do.

[freshwest]

10. You Got That Right!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Samantha]

8. Several state constitutions have a procedure for recalling

elected officials. I posted earlier today that I thought South Carolina should recall Lindsay Graham. I did take a look at the state constitution, and unfortunately, no such procedure is outlined therein. However, it looks like from the simple Google search results that some in South Carolina have started to voice the opinion they would like him recalled and are approaching the legislature for a process. I think a certain amount of signatures are required before anything can be done (not too sure about that) -- but they are looking around to try to have a path established.

These state constitutions have these provisions for a reason. They are necessary in some instances. It is unfortunate that many in California feel victimized by that state's recall of its governor, but that does not negate the fact a recall is certainly in order when legislatures fail to act in the interests of its people and to defend the law:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God." This is the text of the Federal oath, but it is entirely possible that expanded requirements can be found in the individual state constitutions.

Sam

[dsc]

11. you can't recall federal office holders

nor should you be able to. If SC doesn't want Mr. Graham in the Senate then it needs to vote him out.

[theophilus]

12. Supposedly 18 states, and DC, say you can. Is that right? n/t

[dsc]

13. no as recently as late 2010

this was settled in a NJ federal court.