Convention of States Senior Advisor: Senator Tom Coburn (Ret.) “After many years in Washington, one of the reasons I left was because I no longer believe that Washington is capable of reining itself in ... the only avenue to change it is the one given to us by our Founders in the Constitution — an Article V Convention of States, where the people, not the politicians, are in charge.”

For ten years, Senator Tom Coburn served calling for a convention of the states is cru- alongside the hundreds of thousands of in the United States Senate as a voice for cial for our nation at this time. volunteers working in all fifty states, and limited government and the values of Convention of States citizen activists in 97% In his recent testimony to the Texas House Oklahomans. He has been described as of all state legislative districts, not to Federalism Committee, Coburn said, “[As one of the most sought after members on mention the endorsements of notable public a doctor], I know you don’t solve problems legislative strategy and thought. And now, figures like Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, by treating the symptoms; you treat the he’s bringing those talents to the Conven- Governor Mike Huckabee, Ben Shapiro, disease. Our country has a disease.” Article tion of States Project. Governor Bobby Jindal, Colonel Allen V, he said, allows us to get past the symp- West, Sarah Palin and many others. Since joining Convention of States as toms and treat the structural problems that Senior Advisor, Coburn has been traveling threaten our future. It’s not just his general political knowledge across the nation, sharing his vision with that makes him an asset to this project. Coburn brings his political savvy and gravitas state legislators about why using Article V Continued on back page

“The federal government now reaches into every aspect of our lives in ways the Founders never imagined nor intended...[Americans] don’t need politicians, and unaccountable federal bureaucrats and administrators telling them how to live their lives.” “George Mason, knowing that no amendments of the proper kind would ever be proposed from a tyrannical federal government, suggested that the states have a method by which they could propose those necessary amendments.” George Mason Memorial, National Mall, DC

Continued from front page Imposing fiscal restraints and term that the American people should be able limits are two of the three topics to take control of their country and govern His experience as Chairman of the Federal themselves.” Financial Management Subcommittee proposed by a Convention of States. means that he knows exactly where our The third—and most important— Without a doubt, Coburn believes the time for a Convention of States is now. specific problems lie. is the call to limit the power and ju- “What most people don’t realize is that risdiction of the federal government. “This is a movement whose time has come. every single piece of government waste Although I am a proud conservative, this has a constituency,” says Coburn, “And Coburn says, “The federal government is not a partisan issue. Politicians and most politicians don’t want to do anything now reaches into every aspect of our lives bureaucracies in Washington, D.C. will to jeopardize their future elections. So they in ways the Founders never imagined nor never voluntarily relinquish meaningful remain unresolved election cycle after intended. The people of this country are power — no matter who is elected. Only election cycle, and the American people fully capable of governing themselves. through a Convention of States may the are stuck with the consequences. A Con- They don’t need politicians, and unac- clear, unfettered voice of the people be vention of States, on the other hand, can countable federal bureaucrats and admin- heard and overreaching government be impose those restraints from the outside istrators telling them how to live their lives reined in. It’s time to return government to and secure our financial future.” and run their businesses.” the people and realize again our Founders’ vision for self-governance.” Knowing that staying in power for many He continues, “This is the reason that the election cycles is a detriment to effective Convention of States was included in the statesmanship, Senator Coburn has in- Constitution in the first place. At the Con- sisted on term-limiting himself in every stitutional Convention, George Mason, office he has held. He says, “Our Founders knowing that no amendments of the proper never intended that there be a ruling class kind would ever be proposed from a tyran- of career politicians. When members of nical federal government, suggested that Congress stay in Washington election after the states have a method by which they election, they become less concerned could propose those necessary amend- about working for their constituents and ments. His suggestion—the Convention of W ebsite: ConventionOfStates.com more concerned about keeping their States—was met with no debate and unan- E-mail: [email protected] power.” imously agreed upon. Our Framers—in- Phone: (540) 441-7227 cluding George Washington, James Madi- www.Facebook.com/ConventionOfStates son, and Alexander Hamilton—all agreed Twitter: @COSProject