Georgia Senate calls for constitutional convention

The Georgia Senate passed a resolution Tuesday urging a constitutional convention of the states.

The push is a pet project of conservatives, who note that the U.S. Constitution under Article V allows states to meet and propose amendments to it. In this case, according to sponsor Sen. Cecil Staton, R-Macon, it would be to cap the federal government’s spending and impose term limits on Congress.

“I think the problem in Washington (D.C.) is not a Democratic problem,” Staton said. “It’s not a Republican problem. Frankly, it’s both.”

Senate Resolution 736 passed 37-16. It's at least the 12th application the state has submitted in recent history requesting a convention, Staton said. The Constitution requires at least two-thirds — or 34 — states to petition on the same subject before a convention is called.