FELON VOTING RIGHTS ISSUE MAY SPUR LAWSUIT FROM GOP

DES MOINES - Iowa Senate Co-president Jeff Lamberti, R-Ankeny, said
Friday that Republicans might sue Gov. Tom Vilsack to stop his
planned executive order that would make it easier for convicted
felons to restore their voting rights.

"It could be legal action against the executive order or legislative
action down the road," he said, interviewed on the Iowa Public
Television program "Iowa Press."

Lamberti said the Iowa GOP and several other groups are looking for
the best way to fight the plan, which may include seeking an
injunction to stop Vilsack from his scheduled signing of the order on
the Fourth of July.

But Lamberti conceded that Vilsack might be on solid legal ground to
make his order. He said the GOP would only sue if it can find "solid
legal standing."

Vilsack announced his plan last Friday, flanked by members of civil
rights groups, church leaders and the Iowa Civil Liberties Union. The
executive order automatically would restore voting rights for felons
who have completed their prison, parole and probation.

The current policy requires felons to apply for restoration of voting
rights, then be approved by several layers of oversight, a process
that can take up to six months.

After the executive order, eligible felons would automatically get
their voting rights restored, a policy expected to give 500 to 600
people the right to vote each month.

Republican leaders blasted the plan, saying it sends mixed messages
about the consequences of crime

Looking ahead to the 2006 election, Lamberti said he is continiuing
to explore running for the 3rd Congressional District seat currently
help by Leonard Boswell, a Democrat.