Virginia withdraws con-con application.

Virginia has joined the ranks of states that have withdrawn their applications to Congress calling for a constitutional convention (con-con). The measure originated in the state's House of Delegates, passing with widespread support, 82-10. Senate passage was by voice vote. Final action occurred on March 10, when the House voted on the resolution a second time due to minor changes added to the final resolution by the Senate. The victory is the product of diligent teamwork by members of the John Birch Society.

A con-con is a never-before-used method of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Article V of the Constitution provides that when the legislatures of two-thirds (34) of the states apply to Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments, the Congress must call the convention. The danger inherent in the convention method of amendment is that the con-con has plenary power to propose any kind and number of amendments which it chooses. Neither the state legislatures which apply for the con-con nor the Congress which calls it can limit the subject matter of proposed amendments. A con-con could propose amendments that radically change the structure of both the federal government and state governments and jeopardize fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens under the present Constitution.

All proposed amendments, whether the work of Congress or of a con-con, must be ratified by three-fourths (38) of the states.