Graham, DeMint Want Military Detainee Trials

By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer
    COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina’s Republican U.S. senators
differ on whether Guantanamo Bay detainees should be sent to the
state, but say they will work together to keep the accused
terrorists out of federal courts.
    U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint said Thursday he’ll support U.S. Sen.
Lindsey Graham’s federal spending amendment that would bar putting
taxpayer dollars into federal court trials for detainees.
    The White House is trying to block the effort warning that
lawmakers shouldn’t trump executive branch authority to prosecute.
    Meanwhile DeMint says detainees shouldn’t be allowed on U.S.
soil. Graham says he’s open to trials at the Charleston Naval Brig
but only as part of a plan that leaves trials in military courts.
   
    (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)