Topeka — Candidates for state and federal office in Kansas would have to prove their citizenship under a bill approved by a Kansas House committee.
Critics say the bill approved Wednesday by the House Elections Committee is inspired by the so-called birther movement, which has questioned President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship.
But Rep. John Rubin, a Shawnee Republican who voted for the bill, says if the state is going to ask its citizens to prove they are U.S. citizens, candidates should face the same requirement.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Rep. Ann Mah, a Democrat from Topeka, said called the bill "silliness to get at the president."
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bigtoe (anonymous) says…
Good move. No one who wants to represent the citizens of Kansas should have any objection to demonstrating they are lawful citizens.
chocolateplease (anonymous) replies…
Yes, we should really be worried about this. Foreign politicians masquerading as our own beloved born-in-america politicians is a major concern! Thank god we have hard-working republicans in this state who know when a new law is needed and don't mind spending countless hours and taxpayer dollars to get it on the books. Now I can sleep at night.
Alyosha (anonymous) says…
There should be a requirement that there be an actual provable need for a law — not just the childish fears of lawmakers that something *might* happen — before it can be put before a committee, let alone enacted by the legislature.
Or do legislators have nothing better to do than spend time — and tax payer money — creating laws based on nothing but their fears / fantasies?
What's next, laws that deal with monsters under beds, or monsters in closets?
dcap (Chad Steele) says…
The answer to a problem that does not exist.
bd (anonymous) replies…
not yet!!!!
globehead (anonymous) says…
Absolutely GREAT! That's a major issue the legislature needs to tackle right away. We are currently over run with folks sneaking into the country in the dead of night, running for elective office. Perhaps we could even hire Donald Trump or one of the other merry band of mental pygmy birthers as consultants as they were so remarkably successful in exposing Obama to have been born in Kenya. Just when one thinks it couldn't get any dumber, an article appears about an idiotic proposal in the Kansas legislature and some turnip truck reject from Shawnee trying to talk it up as a good idea.. Geesh, my tax dollars at work again!!!
tomatogrower (anonymous) replies…
First, Trump would have to prove to me he's a citizen. How do we know he's not Canadian?
acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) replies…
I want proof that he's actually human!
cait48 (anonymous) replies…
Well we already know his hair isn't :P
Many years ago I read a piece on graffiti found in Pompeii preserved by the erup tion that buried the town. One of them, translated said this:
"Sulla says her her hair is hers
Whoever would have thought it.
Tis true, tis true, I know it's true
For I know where she bought it!"
In 2000 years people will be translating something similar about the Trump's hair.
misterlee (anonymous) says…
Everyone on the House committee needs to be defeated in their next run for office. They've proven how unfit they are.
Fidogump (anonymous) says…
It should be retroactive. Why do we allow racists to get away with this stuff.
realisticvoter (anonymous) says…
Why don't these idiots work on solving real problems?
somedude20 (anonymous) says…
Wow, all of this for little ole Obama. Imagine if President Obama was 100% African American, these racist zealots would start a war in our own country (which they kind of have) or they would just spontaneous combustion.
Your Jesus was a non-white, love your brother of color!
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) replies…
Shhhhhhhhhhh.....the great ESSENE teacher was also a Jew, and a member of the radical sect that didn't like the big boys in the temple and all their BS. This is just one of the reasons he didn't go over too well with "the man." All that love your neighbor and forgive your enemies stuff was uncool as well.
Gotland (anonymous) replies…
Jews are non-white? Not according to Washington.
rockchalk1977 (anonymous) says…
Good... this should have been done many moons ago. The abortion loving Sebelius was too busy campaigning for the abortion loving Obama to deal with common sense issues like this. Keep up the good work Kansas Republicans!
cait48 (anonymous) replies…
Are you being facetious? because if you're being serious, that's just sad.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
"Are you being facetious?"
The other possibility is pretty scary-- and hundreds of similarly idiotic posts indicate that we should be very afraid (because the legislators that voted for this are just as idiotic.)
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This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
kernal (anonymous) says…
"Why don't these idiots work on solving real problems?"
Some of these legislators, like some of our Congress, lack the knowledge and expertise to solve the tough problems that many of their predecessors didn't have to face, or created. So, to hide their inadequacies they keep throwing up camouflage such as this bill. Makes them feel useful and they hope to God their constituents don't notice.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
This bill, like every other bill invested with time and manpower during the 2012 legislative session, is a one-two combination knockout of economic stimulation and job creation--just what the state of Kansas needs!
WilburM (anonymous) says…
Let's see -- income tax reform, aid to education, water policy, medicaid, KPERS -- and these clowns (Rs in a totally R-dominated house) spend their time and efforts on this malarkey. They want to tell us that they're serious, but they're not. Not at all. Is this what the Tea Party's fervor has produced? Pathetic.
jayhawks911 (anonymous) says…
Another unnecessary regulation from the anti-regulation party.
verity (anonymous) replies…
Can I use your line in a letter to my congress person?
jayhawks911 (anonymous) replies…
You may
verity (anonymous) replies…
Thank you.
dwendel (anonymous) says…
Hillbillies rejoice! We're all saved!
Crazy_Larry (anonymous) replies…
http://www.hiyoooo.com/
ksjayhawk74 (anonymous) says…
This plus the bill allowing religious people to discriminate against gays and lesbians will definitely get jobs rolling back into Kansas.
ivalueamerica (anonymous) says…
Bob Dole can only provide the same proof of citizenship that Obama could provide.
cait48 (anonymous) says…
Ummm guys, the only office requiring citizenship in the Constitution is the Presidency. Wouldn't any requirement for other Federal offices enacted by states be unconstitutional? I mean states can make that requirement; that's their right. But requiring it at the Federal level as well? I see a lawsuit in the future of this bill,(one more in a sea of lawsuits).
cait48 (anonymous) replies…
Oh wait. My bad. They are just saying they have to be citizens, not *natural born* citizens. OK, go ahead and have fun.
Although I do have to wonder how this will effect people currently serving in the legislature who are Native Americans as they are citizens of their tribe first and citizens of the US second. Hmm...could still trip them up.
deec (anonymous) replies…
Does babies born by Caesarian section count? Everybody knows that ain't natural.
verity (anonymous) replies…
Isn't that why Caesar got offed?
jhawkinsf (anonymous) says…
Legislatures in every state waste time and money all the time. They debate what the state dog should be. They honor past and dead residents. They do all sorts of things that are a waste. Even if you believe this is a waste of time, what the heck. It's done all the time in every state.
When Obama welcomes the N.Y. Giants to the White House, will there be outrage because he's not doing his job, fixing the economy, etc.?
Much ado about nothing.
cait48 (anonymous) replies…
So when are they going to get to that sticky ,"How many angels can dance on the head of s pin?", question.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
They can debate that if they wish. It's right up there with state dog, state flower, etc.
acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) replies…
Oh no...we're going to argue about who should be our state angel now???
verity (anonymous) replies…
I vote for MIchael Row-The-Boat-Ashore.
verity (anonymous) replies…
Although, on further thought, Lucifer might be more appropriate.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
When they debate the state dog, or entertain football teams, they know they aren't doing anything that needs doing-- just having fun (which, on second thought, also needs doing.)
But this bill is pure demagoguery, which does no one any good whatsoever.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
"Pure demagoguery" - isn't that a prerequisite for all politicians?
"does no one any good" - nor does it do any harm. Much ado...
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
Exercises in xenophobia are always harmful.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
When I returned to Kansas, I needed to bring my birth certificate with me when getting a drivers license. Is that requirement xenophobic? It was a very minor inconvenience, but not xenophobic. It wasn't racist, sexist, classist or any other form of discrimination. The same is true with this proposal. It would be xenophobic if it were required of people who had accents or were of a specific ethnicity, but it's not. It would be racist if it were required of members of certain races, but it's not. It would be sexist if it were required of one gender and not the other, but it's not. What this is is a requirement that a person prove what is already a requirement. Much ado.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
What is middle ground about making excuses for this idiocy?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
What about a loyalty oath? Would that be OK with you?
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
Do you mean like the oath office the president takes, swearing to uphold the constitution? I'm O.K. with that. You?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
No, that's not what I meant. Apparently in your view we need McCarthyite witch hunt right here in Kansas.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
No, that's not right either. The article and this thread was about requiring proof of citizenship for those seeking elected office. That's quite different than for the general public. Yes, I'm O.K. with an oath being taken when an elected official takes that office, much like the President of The United States. No, I'm opposed to a member of the general public being required to take a loyalty oath. There is a difference in my mind. You?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
The point is that none of this has any practical value. It's nothing but warmed-over McCarthyism, and you approve. Pitiful.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
This makes twice you've said I favored McCarthyism and this makes twice I've denied that. Please stop trying to distort my opinions.
I've drawn a clear distinction between elected officials who are required by law to be citizens in order to hold public office and the general public who are not required to be citizens in order to hold their jobs.
Do you believe that elected officials need not be citizens? If so, then work towards that end within the political process we now have. However, if you don't believe that, if you agree with the requirement that elected officials do indeed need to be citizens, then proof of that citizenship is not xenophobia nor is it McCarthyism. No more than me needing to show a social security card when applying for a job.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
Sigh. It's a witch hunt. There is no problem with non-citizens running for elected office, and almost no chance they could get away with it if they did. For the legislature to get its panties in a twist over a non-problem is a version of McCarthyism.
If you can't see that, you are also infected with at least a mild case of it yourself.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
A witch hunt against whom? By definition, since the only people who can hold public office are citizens, and by your own admission, non-citizens running for public office is not happening, then the only people this could possibly apply to are citizens. Is that who you believe is being discriminated against with this proposal?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
"A witch hunt against whom?"
Huh? Do I really need to define for you the meaning of the phrase.
Hint-- look up Salem Witch Trials. Further hint-- there were no witches.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
Yes, define who, other than citizens running for public office will be effected by this proposal.
You know what this reminds me of, a person who pays income taxes throughout the year in the exact amount that they will owe at the end of the year. They will owe no additional tax nor will they get any refund. But we still require them to file an income tax form each year. A waste of time, maybe. But does it discriminate against anyone or any group in particular? No.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
No matter how often you try to make it so, apples will never be oranges.
jhawkinsf (anonymous) replies…
You've failed to show how this has any effect on anyone other than those seeking public office, who by definition are themselves citizens. You keep trying to expand this to a group that be definition cannot be included. Apples and oranges implies two groups. There is only one.
rockchalk1977 (anonymous) says…
States may generally legislate on all matters within their territorial jurisdiction. This police power does not arise from the Constitution, but is an inherent attribute of the States territorial sovereignty. All you religious bigots are free to leave if you don't like what's going on in Kansas.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
Sorry, but I'm fifth-generation Kansan on two sides of my family. I won't let this sort of idiocy run me out of the state.
JackMcKee (anonymous) says…
Obama's might not win Kansas'6 EV! I'm sure that news just ruined his day.
rockchalk1977 (anonymous) replies…
With 9% unemployment, $15.3 trillion debt, $4 gasoline and world turmoil, little Barry Soetoro might not even win Hawaii. Let's ruin Barry's day on on November 6, 2012. The end of an error.
kochmoney (anonymous) replies…
Man, it's like you're a cartoon character. A walking, talking parody.
dwendel (anonymous) replies…
He's just jealous that little Barry grew up and did great things with his life, while he's still stuck in two-bit Kansas trolling the internets. Little Barry was just a poor, one-parent bi-racial kid-- probably didn't have many of the the advantages that RC77 grew up with. Just shows the difference a little ambition and a good education can make. Class envy -- some have it, some don't.
rockchalk1977 (anonymous) replies…
"Barry grew up and did great things with his life".
List of Obama failures in just 3 years:
.Trillion $ stimulus
.Solyndra bankruptcy
.Gulf oil spill cleanup
.Keystone PL disaster
.Fast & furious cover up
.Gitmo still not closed
.Historic mid-term elections
.S&P downgrade 1st time
.Car company bailouts
.Flea party movement
.Acorn defunded
.Israel snub
.Record high debt and deficit
.Record high food stamps
.Record high gas prices
.Record high foreclosures
.Record high bankruptcies
.Unconstitutional Obamacare
.No Olympics for Chicago
But I guess he did get the Nobel Peace Prize.
ksjayhawk74 (anonymous) replies…
Impressive list, but the other hand just about everything you mentioned is total BS.
Just to pick an a few...
More people were on food stamps under GWB.
What does Chicago not getting the Olympics have to do with Obama?
Israel has gotten lots and lots of support from Obama.
Acorn is not the scandal you think it is and had nothing to do with Obama.
Flea Party movement? What?
The Gulf oil spill was caused by BP oil and policies written under GWB.
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cait48 (anonymous) replies…
Oh and he thinks Little Ricky Santorum is a lot better.
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
Seriously, folks. What kind of documentation does it take to prove one is a citizen? I have a 45 year-old expired passport. Will that do?
KansasVoices (anonymous) says…
How about legislation related to how long a resident has lived in the area they want to serve? Missouri says "One Year." Not so in Kansas. Do you want 125 State Representatives or 40 State Senators like Ben Hodge? Have Ego, Will Travel.
kochmoney (anonymous) replies…
Ah, poor Ben Hodge. There's a reason he's never been elected for two terms, anywhere.
Cappy (anonymous) says…
So when the President presents his birth certificate for the umpteenth time will these people shut the F* up?
cait48 (anonymous) replies…
(gasp!) No! Never! There's tear marks on that page that his long form certificate came from. See? There? No, no those aren't wiggly marks from security paper, they're *tear marks*, I tell ya! Besides I have it on very good authority that his step cousin twice removed, by marriage, swears he was born in Kenya. Whadaya mean she's never seen him and she's younger than he is and wasn't even around when he was born? She *swears* it, man! That's good enough for me!
camper (anonymous) says…
In other news, there is a bill going around to name a state dog, and one for welfare recipients to be subject to drug tests. Then there is the tweeting incident (where an official got involved by contacting a high school), the house speaker passing along a bad e-mail, the voter id law, then the meetings at the mansion, then there was the decision to not greet the President when he came to Kansas, the SRS closings. The list is going on.
Seriously, there have to be some true Republicans that thinks there is a lot of baloney going on. Even if I were a Republican, I'd have to say I'd be ticked off.
tange (anonymous) says…
Nothing serves the "Conservative" agenda like less than nothing.
riverat (Joe Hyde) says…
This Bill saddens me. Kansas could really use the services of some South African legislators hand-picked by Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, then sneaked into the state by crop duster aircraft flying under radar.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
They should also have a clause to make sure that all candidates are pure human. Wouldn't want any candidates with Neanderthal or Orangutan genes slipping through.
Crazy_Larry (anonymous) replies…
Mandatory genetic and IQ testing.
verity (anonymous) says…
I will support this bill if they also have to prove their sanity.
Crazy_Larry (anonymous) replies…
Discrimination!
tange (anonymous) replies…
... utility.
camper (anonymous) says…
Things could be worse. The govenor of Wisconsin is starting to quote "Hannity" in public. That would be Sean Hannity.
TinmanKC (anonymous) says…
I think there should be a law that requires candidates and office holders who claim to be called by God to be able to prove it. Something notarized in heaven, preferably. Oh, and let's require that candidates prove their sanity?
yourworstnightmare (anonymous) says…
Pompeo? Sounds ethnicky to me. Better check.
yourworstnightmare (anonymous) says…
Yoder? That reeks of old Europe. Better check there, too.