Brad Hoaglun, spokesman for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, sent the following to Huckleberries this AM:

I see on Huckleberries this morning you are taking comments about why Senator Risch voted against cloture on the violence against women bill the other day.  He opposed it on the basis of federalism; the intrusion into matters that are within the jurisdiction of states and local governments.  Just so people don’t have to guess, here is a statement from him on the issue.

“As a former prosecuting attorney, I understand the seriousness of the issue and have sent offenders to prison for their crimes against women.  I am very opposed to violence against women and strongly support local and state efforts against domestic violence.  It is at the state and local level where I believe enforcement and prosecution must remain. The federal government does not need to add another layer of bureaucracy to acts of violence that are being handled at the state and local level.  In addition to my 10th Amendment concerns, this legislation raises additional constitutional questions regarding double jeopardy and due process.  I opposed this legislation, however well intended, because it is another effort of the federal government extending its reach into the affairs of state and local jurisdictions.”

Thoughts?