LITTLE ROCK — A group of protesters upset with the health care overhaul bill picketed Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's office today, urging him to take steps to challenge the legislation.
About 50 opponents of the bill - including congressional candidates Tim Griffin and Scott Wallace - gathered on the sidewalk outside McDaniel's office at 323 Center Street at the start of the two-hour event, which was organized by Secure Arkansas.
McDaniel has previously said he does not support filing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law, a process ongoing in about a dozen other states. Secure Arkansas Chairman Jeannie Burlsworth said her group supports that move and also wants McDaniel to certify a constitutional amendment against the bill. The group could then begin petition-gathering efforts as it worked to pass the amendment.
"This is socialism," Burlsworth said. "There's no way you can expand this to 32 million people and not raise taxes. So taxes are going to go up. I can only imagine what's coming."
Protesters at the event displayed signs, joined in chants and took turns speaking to the crowd, sharing their displeasure with the bill.
Jason Conley, of Sherwood, said opponents of the bill need to make their views on limiting government heard.
"These people just don't get it, but I'm fed up," he said.
John Allison and his 17-year-old daughter, Amanda, arrived early and made signs reading "Protect us!" and "Say no to government-run health-care!"
Allison, of Cabot, called the bill the latest chapter in an ongoing "socialist takeover of nearly everything."
"They've taken over the financial industry, they've taken over the auto industry and now they're taking over the health care industry," he said. "I want to do everything I can to stop it."