Arkansas Deserves Its Reputation

2/19/05 LITTLE ROCK, AP -- The Arkansas House voted down a resolution Friday that would have reaffirmed the Legislature's support for the principle of the separation of church and state.

The resolution failed by a vote of 39-44. Rep. Buddy Blair, D-Fort Smith, offered the measure. He said he was fed up with what he called religious undertones in the business of the 85th General Assembly.

Seventeen House members did not vote on the resolution. [SCAREDY CATS]

Rep. Michael Lamoureux, R-Russellville, said he voted against the resolution because he didn't view it as necessary. He said he does not perceive a problem.

Lamoureux also said the founding fathers "wanted Christian beliefs."