But it seems to me, I say to my friend, those are the governments that are closest to the people, rather than some distant government in Washington telling them what they can and cannot do. Plus, I say to my friend from Idaho, with all due respect, this did not grow out of the Kelo decision. Local governments have had the power of eminent domain probably going back to the founding of our Republic. I was trying to find out exactly when, but probably the early 1800s, maybe the 1700s.
Tom Harkin: “But it seems to me, I say to my friend, those are the governments that are closest to the people, rather than some…”
Editor's note · Context
Discussing the power of local governments and eminent domain.
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