Fight to ban Citizens United from Montana not over

I love this state and everyone in it.  That's what happens when you love being where you are.

I want to share a discovery with you because 75 percent of you voted to ban Citizens United from the state. I know it didn't work, but there is another way.  Our Founding Fathers gave us an extraordinary tool. It is the Article Five Convention, a.k.a. the National Constitutional Convention. It allows us to amend the Constitution, circumventing Congress, in the event that Congress lacks the power or the will to act on our behalf.

It is a very conservative tool. It cannot be used carelessly. 34 states must call for the convention and 38 states must ratify any amendments that emerge from it.  States have initiated this process  before, but it has never happened because the momentum and will of the states have motivated Congress to amend the Constitution themselves. 

If a convention occurs, it alone, will not affect the Constitution.  If 38 states ratify an amendment coming from a convention, that means that the delegates were successful in drafting a sound amendment that will serve the Republic and will necessarily be added to the Constitution.  It will take enormous will on the part to the public to amend the Constitution in this manner.  We can be sure that if a convention occurs, it is necessary.  

Last year a list was started to call for such a convention to overturn Citizens United. Vermont, California and Illinois are now on the list. This year Representative Ellie Hill is sponsoring HJ3 here in Montana. HJ3 will put Montana on that list.  

Here is some of the text:

    WHEREAS, in November 2012, Montanans voted overwhelmingly to enact Initiative No. 166, which clearly expressed the State of Montana's desire to remove the corrupting influence of money in elections and restore free and fair elections by amending the Constitution of the United States;    

If this action speaks to you, call (406) 444-4800.  You will reach an operator.  Ask about the status of HJ3. Then let operator relay your message to the committee members and your legislators. 

It is a privilege to share this with you.

— Erika Sukstorf, a guest in Lewistown