by Mike Cressler, Hamilton
In my research on the candidates for the Montana legislature in Ravalli County, I’ve discovered to my dismay that one of the leaders of the nullification movement, Senator Theresa Manzella, holds office in Ravalli County and is running for re-election.
The nullification movement misinterprets the U.S. Constitution to give any state the right to nullify or invalidate, and thus ignore, any federal law that it considers unconstitutional or otherwise in violation of the Constitution. Nullification is not the law and never has been.
Nevertheless, in the last legislative session, Sen. Manzella sponsored Senate Bill 434, which was intended to give political structure and legitimacy to the nullification movement. When adopted by at least nine states, this bill would have created a political body called a “Constitution Settlement Commission of the States,” whose purpose would have been to define what powers the states have “granted” to the federal government in the U.S. Constitution.
If enacted, the bill would allow the participating states through this commission to issue decisions, like a court, on whether a particular federal law is constitutional or not and, if not, recommend that the federal law be ignored. This is nullification – pure and simple.
Fortunately, the Montana Senate recognized this nullification bill for what it was and voted it down with only about a half dozen voting for it. But we cannot give Sen. Manzella another chance to introduce this radically unAmerican bill again or anything like it. Vote for Wayne Rusk!
John Grant says
Has anyone noticed Brad Davis’ doing much of anything besides attacking readers’ comments in the Star? Try as I might to find something positive about him, in his own words, all we know is his determination to attack others for their opinions of him rather than telling us why he is worth our vote.
Brad Davis says
John Grant -Ironic you would accuse me of attacking readers when your are attacking me. First let’s state some facts.I have defended myself from attacks and called out others like yourself supporting Wayne Rusk when you do not live in Senate District 44 and have no vote.
You can find out all the information you will need about me by going to my website.I am sure you have been there but just in case you need the information:
wwwbraddavisforravallicounty.com
John Grant says
Beyond attacking readers’ comments in the opinion section of the Star, has anyone noticed if Brad Davis has informed us of his skill sets or his ideological underpinnings that he believes qualifies him to be elected. There’s not a shred of either, or his competency, in his attacks as they appear here.
helen sabin says
Excellent letter explaining about the tyranny that Manzella tries to install on the citizens of the valley. Her constitutional sheriff bill was of the same type theme.
She has lost her way and we need to vote for RUSK -a true constitutionalist.
Brad Davis says
Helen Sabin does not live in Senate district 44 neither does Rusk or Manzella. Why do do you tell others how to vote when they do not live in the District nor can you vote for anyone running in that district.
The reason you support Rusk is because he voted against HB372 and you are anti-trapping.
A Voter says
Excellent way to win over potential voters: antagonize the public in comment threads.
Brad Davis says
I am positive people will care about your opinion since you are neither running for office or are willing to put your name on your comment.
melva Neal says
Thank you YES Wayne Rusk is the right person for the job.
Brad Davis says
Melva you do not live in Senate District 44 and you will have no vote.