Senate Bill 1569, authored by none other than Sen. Ralph Shortey (he of fetus-food bill notoriety) requires candidates in Oklahoma’s presidential primaries to present the state Election Board with a photo ID and proof that they satisfy all requirements for office.
Cue the “natural-born citizen” arguments.
In
a news statement on the bill’s passage, Shortey basically dismissed
suggestions that SB 1569 was an effort to capitalize on anti-President
Barack Obama sentiment in the state.
“Even
in the absence of any controversy, this is a proposal that makes good
sense,” Shortey said. “We require people to present ID to board a plane,
use credit cards, purchase alcohol and tobacco and even to enter
certain buildings.”
Shortey avoided full-on Donald Trump territory, and said his motive was the preservation of the election process.
“As
a believer in federalism, I think it is important that states have the
ability to fully vet candidates and ensure they satisfy all requirements
for eligibility,” said the Oklahoma City Republican.
This article appears in Mar 14-20, 2012.