DeMint Joins Group Lobbying for Constitutional Convention

Jim DeMint, a former Republican senator from South Carolina, is getting behind a movement that calls for a Constitutional Convention.

According to USA Today, DeMint — who resigned as president and CEO of the Heritage Foundation last month — will work wth the Convention of the States Project as a senior adviser. The idea has garnered support in several states and aims to tighten up federal spending while giving some powers back to the states via a Constitutional amendment.

Former Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., also a part of the movement, said in May that 12 states have already signed on with the idea. Once 34 states support it, Article V of the Constitution stipulates a Constitutional Convention must be held.

Tea Party Patriots co-founder Mark Meckler is leading the Convention of the States Project.

"The Tea Party needs a new mission," DeMint told USA Today. "They realize that all the work they did in 2010 has not resulted in all the things they hoped for. Many of them are turning to Article V."

USA Today noted 32 states have both of their legislatures controlled by Republicans and there are 33 Republican governors, which means the time is right for the Convention of the States Project to move forward.

In his new role, DeMint will travel the country in an effort to drum up support for the idea.

"This is a perfect time for us," DeMint told USA Today. "People are disgusted with Washington. They are ready to move power back closer to home."

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