Representatives Comment On Voter ID Plan

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- A proposed constitutional amendment to make voters show a photo ID at the polls is now halfway to a spot on the November ballot.

The Minnesota House passed the proposal 72-62 late Tuesday night.

Below is a small sample of some of the things said by representatives during the nine-hour debate.

Rep. Joe McDonald (R-District 19B)
"This is not a barrier," said "We lift the barrier. It allows us as representatives to call (constituents) up and help them and to give them an ID."

Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-District 44B)
"The problem with this is: we can't fix this with legislation. The only way we can fix problems with this is with a further constitutional amendment."

Rep. Tony Cornish (R-District 24B)
"I've had two Red Bulls, four cups of coffee and I wish the house cameras were here because I'm ready to green light this. ... I think there's a lot of support for this. So I can't believe why you're beating up on old people and making it look like they can't take care of themselves or can't make decisions."

Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-District 44A)
"What we're seeing tonight is just a display of political power. ... What Minnesotans want is more will-power from lawmakers, they don't want lawmakers going as far as they can."

Rep. Mike Benson (R-District 30B)
"When voters are finally allowed to vote on this very prudent measure to safeguard our elections system, to bring integrity to our elections system, then it will receive overwhelming support."

Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-District 61A)
"What really, really concerns me about this proposal is what's been described by several people is voter suppression. We need to look at voter suppression as much as we need to look at fraud."