R.I. ACLU opposes bill requiring candidate background check

[The Straight Story]

R.I. ACLU opposes bill requiring candidate background check



PROVIDENCE –– The American Civil Liberties Union has come out in opposition to a proposal to require criminal background checks for all candidates running for public office.

That legislation, being proposed by state Rep. Scott Slater, D-Providence, comes in response to the controversy surrounding state Rep. Daniel P. Gordon’s recent arrest and revelations of his lengthy criminal record on Massachusetts.

In a statement Wednesday, the Rhode Island affiliate of the ACLU said state officials “have no business” demanding a background check, saying that such a requirement might dissuade people from running for office.

The ACLU also pointed out that there is no allegation that Gordon’s criminal history disqualified him from running for office, or that he falsified documents in order to do so. (Gordon has maintained that he was eligible to run in 2010.)

http://www.projo.com/news/politics/content/ACLU_OPPOSES_SLATER_BILL_09-23-11_E7QH55L_v13.6fe96.html

[monmouth]

1. I have no problem with it. Most people get a background check for

employment, why not pols?

[The Straight Story]

2. And they need some random drug testing (nt)

[monmouth]

3. Throw in an IQ test while at it...LOL....n/t