It seems ironic that the majority of the state legislatures calling for a balanced budget amendment Article V convention are Republican since the Republican Congress was responsible for recent irresponsible deficit spending and increased national debt. Perhaps the states have realized the blunder of the 17th Amendment (direct election of U.S. Senators) and the associated financial burden.

I oppose any proposed Article V convention. I can only think of three individuals in the nation I would consider qualified to participate in one. Constitutional amendments should be approved in the same manner as that utilized for the existing ones. If Congress refuses to act according to the will of the people then the elected should be replaced.