McDermott rips
high court ruling

Campaign Bits
By Tom Waring

John McDermott, the Constitution Party candidate in the 13th Congressional District race, is blasting the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that strikes down Section 7 of the Military Commissions Act of 2006.
The court, in a 5-4 vote, ruled that the section was unconstitutional because it denied the writ of habeas corpus to detainees at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, a U.S.-operated facility located on a naval base in Cuba. As a result, those detainees have the right to challenge their detention in federal court proceedings.
The law that passed two years ago authorized trial by a military commission for violations of the law of war.
"The high court was wrong because it extended habeas corpus to non-citizens of the United States," McDermott said. "That right belongs to American citizens, period. This decision is typical of the logic being handed out by the corrupt elite that runs our country."
McDermott faces Democratic Rep. Allyson Schwartz and Republican Marina Kats.
The House of Representatives passed the law by a vote of 250-170. Schwartz was opposed.
The Senate passed the measure, 65-34. Support was led by Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, voted no.

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Donna Shalala, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has endorsed Democrat Brendan Boyle in the 170th Legislative District race.
Boyle worked under Shalala a decade ago as an intern in HHS’s congressional liaison office. She served as secretary from 1993 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. Today, she is president of the University of Miami.
"Brendan will be a great representative," said Shalala, who has also donated to Boyle’s campaign.
Boyle faces Republican Matt Taubenberger for the seat occupied by retiring Republican Rep. George Kenney.

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Bell’s Corner resident Marvin Barrish returns to the radio airwaves next month with political candidates as guests.
Barrish hosts a show on Sundays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on WNJC (1360 AM).
Upcoming guests will be Wally Zimolong (Republican candidate in the 182nd Legislative District) on July 13, Mark Perry (Republican candidate in the 7th Senatorial District) on July 20, state Rep. Tom Murt (R-152nd dist.) on July 27 and Tom Manion (Republican candidate in the 8th Congressional District) on Aug. 3.
The call-in numbers are 1-856-227-1360 and 1-856-232-7077. The show is also available by visiting wnjc1360.com and clicking "listen now." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com