Martin notes that the Federal Government has overreached its authority many times, but notes that the passage of Obamacare in 2010 and the failure of the current Congress to repeal or defund it are the main reasons he is renewing his commitment to the core principal of state sovereignty.
Martin closes his letter with three promises to the leaders of Missouri's General Assembly "and their successors":
The first promise hearkens back to an earlier time in our nation's history. Prior to the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, US Senators were selected by the legislators of their respective states. Martin obviously believes that as a Senator he should show some deference to the legislature of the state he represents.
- Each year, I will meet with you and the General Assembly expressly to discuss any federal actions or contemplated actions that we are concerned constitute an overreach by the federal constitutional authority. (Perhaps the week of March 23rd would be a good time given its significance as an anniversary of Obamacare.)
- I will support you in any effort to nullify or interpose any law, regulation, or other action that we deem to be an overreach of federal constitutional authority.
- Finally, I will fight against any action by the federal government to punish the state or Missourians for any expression of their sovereignty. I know that the federal government can use its power to withhold and intrude in our state, and I will fight to stop this abuse.
I hope to see more candidates for US Senate take this innovative approach.
Ed Martin's State Sovereignty Letter to Speaker Tilley President Pro Tem Mayer March 2011
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