The House is now debating SJM 106, Gov. Butch Otter's proposal for a non-binding resolution calling on Congress to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban health-care mandates. Among those debating against the measure: Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, who said, "I think we already have the tools that we need" to win a lawsuit against federal health-care reform. House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, called the measure "unwise," and said, "Even though I'm a minority leader, I really don't appreciate futility." The measure, he said, asks Congress to vote by a two-thirds margin for the exact opposite of what it just approved eight days ago - health care reform. Said Rusche, "It always feels good to rail against the federal government, especially at campaign time."

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