Ind. Senate chief pushes constitutional convention

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana's state Senate leader says he hopes to stir up support around the country for a new U.S. constitutional convention aimed at limiting the powers of the federal government.

The state Senate voted largely along party lines this week to approve a resolution seeking a state-called constitutional convention. Thirty-three more states would have to call for such a convention, which has never happened before.

Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long says if the resolution is also approved by the Indiana House, he will work with legislative leaders in other states concerned about the federal government's growing reach.

The resolution calls for a convention focused on limiting the power of Congress to tax and regulate interstate commerce. Those issues were argued in challenges to the federal health care overhaul.