Arizona Backers of DC Autonomy Storm Rep. Franks' Glendale, AZ Office

GLENDALE, Ariz., March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today in Arizona, DC Vote and 30 in-state activists demonstrated at Representative Trent Franks' (R-AZ) office to demand he focus on the challenges facing his congressional district, rather than infringing on the fundamental rights of District of Columbia residents.  DC Vote is also conducting an advertisement and call-in campaign with the same message.

Rep. Franks, a self-proclaimed "states-rights" supporter, is using his Congressional power to impose a personal political agenda on Americans who have no vote in Congress.  

At the demonstration, DC supporters delivered a letter calling upon Franks to withdraw H.R. 3803.  The group met with a member of Franks' staff and Arizona residents voiced their concerns about Rep. Franks spending his time in Washington focused on DC issues.  This bill, which Franks introduced, would ban nearly all abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.  It affects only women in the District of Columbia.  The demonstrators held up signs reading "Franks, Don't Be a Wiener, Focus on Arizona."  The image on the signs is of Rep. Franks dressed up like a hot dog.

The 620,000 Americans who live in DC pay full federal taxes, serve on juries, and fight and die defending freedom, but are denied voting representation in Congress.

"As Arizona residents continue to struggle economically, Rep. Franks is spending time in Washington infringing on D.C.'s local autonomy instead of focusing on the concerns of his constituents," said Ilir Zherka, Executive Director of DC Vote.

"How can Franks call himself an advocate of 'limited government,' while at the same time call for increased federal control over 620,000 Americans in the nation's capital who are denied basic democratic rights and voting representation in Congress?  We join the demonstrators today in demanding that Franks withdraw his bill and focus on Arizona instead."

Media Contact:

James Jones, Communications Director
202.557.4864
[email protected]

SOURCE DC Vote