Freepmail or ping me on the thread to be added to the John Armor for Congress ping list.
Posted on 03/19/2008 6:17:00 AM PDT by MitchellC
Carl Mumpower, a Republican candidate for Congress, has broken ranks with his party and opposes legislation to protect telecommunications companies that helped in the government's warrantless spying program.
"Bad things grow in the dark and government at all levels is trying to turn out the lights," he said.
Congress passed the Protect America Act, which was signed by President Bush, expanding the ability of the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation to get wiretaps without the approval of the courts. The law expired and Congress and Bush have battled over a new version of the bill, called the Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act (FISA).
Congress passed a version that did not grant telecommunications companies immunity. Bush vetoed the bill.
In recent months, information became public that some telecommunications companies had helped with wiretapping and might have violated the law. The Senate drafted a version of the legislation that granted the telecommunications companies immunity for helping the government.
Mumpower, an Asheville city councilman and psychologist, said companies should be held accountable if they broke the law.
"I am not going to get excited about a bill that erodes our liberties," he said. "I don't like to see our government run as a gentlemen's club and protecting its members."
The man Mumpower would like to unseat, U.S. Rep. Health Shuler, D-Waynesville, has come out in support of granting immunity to the telecommunications companies. In January, he signed a letter that was sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, requesting that any FISA legislation "compel compliance by private sector partners" and asked the leadership to support the Senate version.
"I am committed to finding a bipartisan compromise on the re-authorization of the FISA court that will be signed into law," Shuler said. "The Senate has already passed bipartisan legislation that will not be vetoed, and I believe the House should debate and vote on that bill."
Hendersonville businessman Spence Campbell and Highlands attorney John Armor are vying with Mumpower for the GOP nomination for Congress. Campbell said Congress should grant the telecommunications companies immunity and "make it possible for the telecoms to work with the government."
"I believe the single most important function of government is protecting its citizens," Campbell said. "In the face of the threat we are facing, it takes every tool available ...The government has to have the ability to identify a threat quickly."
Armor said he also supports protecting telecommunications companies from prosecution. He said the American Civil Liberties Union has sued several telecommunications companies over the possibility that a law was violated, and the companies need the protection.
"I could not disagree with (Mumpower) more," Armor said, adding, "This is garbage."
Armor said telecommunications companies should have the ability to work with the federal government when people overseas are viewed as a potential terrorist threats. He said the Democratic leadership in Congress should allow a vote on the Senate version of the FISA bill.
"I think it is shameful that the House of Representatives didn't bring it to a vote," Armor said. "I blame Nancy Pelosi."
Mumpower said he understands many in his party support giving telecommunications companies immunity, but he stands by his position.
"I have gotten some heat about it and will probably get some more," Mumpower said.
Mumpower said some people use national security as a "trump card" and try to scare the public. But he says government functions best when it is done openly.
"I have no hesitancy to challenge my colleagues," Mumpower said.
Armor said he also supports protecting telecommunications companies from prosecution. He said the American Civil Liberties Union has sued several telecommunications companies over the possibility that a law was violated, and the companies need the protection.
"I could not disagree with (Mumpower) more," Armor said, adding, "This is garbage."
NC ping
Freepmail or ping me on the thread to be added to the John Armor for Congress ping list.
Freepmail or ping me on the thread to be added to the John Armor for Congress ping list.
(oops, forgot to enter the ping list the first time.)
another republican who wants to lose
Thanks for the ping, MitchellC. Hooray Congressman!
FR’s finest! BTTT!
Go Billybob Go
ping
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