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Linda Biamonte, candidate for Congress in the Republican primary in District 2, is the second candidate to apply to be a Certified Constitutional Candidate. (The first was Donna Ward.) The decision between the two has not been made at posting time. Here are her answers to the C3 questionnaire, beginning on whether she would amend the Constitution to enhance American liberties

Will you introduce, sponsor, or otherwise support the proposal of any of these suggested Amendments to the Constitution?

To repeal the XVIth Amendment (the one authorizing a tax on incomes that is not apportioned among the several States).

Yes

To guarantee to any State the right to recall its Congressional delegation, or any member thereof and to send a substitute member to serve out any unexpired term, as formerly and explicitly provided in the Articles of Confederation.

Unfortunately, we do not live under the articles of the confederation.  We would need to repeal the 17th amendment to take the state’s right of recall back to the people.   The 17th amendment took the right of the states and their power to appoint senators to office.  This in effect with the ‘supremacy clause” guarantees the power of federal government over the states.  Also, by repealing the 17th amendment it would give much needed power back to the vulnerable 10th amendment.

To limit the aggregate terms of service of Members of Congress.

Absolutely, I do have a constitutional amendment plan to limit the terms of our congress.  I believe the people are the ultimate term limit plan, but, an amendment would end career politicians who no longer seek to do for the people but, for themselves.

To declare that any willful distortion of the Constitution shall constitute "bad behavior" on the part of a judge or justice and thus constitute grounds for removal from the bench on impeachment therefore and conviction thereof.

Yes

Shall the Congress define acts of war committed by individuals or non-government organizations, and formally declare war against any individuals or groups demonstrated to be so acting?

Congress is the only branch with the power to declare war. In most cases war was defined by the executive branch and declared by congress.  The War Powers Act of 1973 constrained the executive branch authority of war making powers.

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Linda Biamonte on why she is running in NJ-2

Linda Biamonte on the Bill of Rights

This article is part of the C3 series.

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