NH Weighs 'Birther Bill'

Nothing to do with Obama, lawmakers insist
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 9, 2011 2:56 AM CST
Updated Mar 9, 2011 7:00 AM CST
New Hampshire Weighs 'Birther Bill'
"Republicans have turned the State House into a circus tent," complained a Democratic spokeswoman.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Ineligible candidates aiming to sneak into the White House won't make it past the New Hampshire primary under a proposal being considered by the state House. The chairman of the state's election law committee, a Republican, says a bill is being considered that would require presidential hopefuls to provide a birth certificate and affidavit swearing they are over 35 years old and have lived in the US for at least 14 years, AP reports.

The committee chairman says the bill isn't targeting President Obama and the proposed amendment won't take effect until 2013, the Union-Leader reports. House Republican Leader DJ Bettencourt issued a statement criticizing the bill. "It is unnecessary and detracts from important business, namely our economy," he said. "Moreover, this potential amendment could represent a threat to our first-in-the nation primary as it gives other states reason and desire to try to jump us in line." (More birther stories.)

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