Texas Tea Partier Urges Reviving Pat-Down Ban

AUSTIN (AP) – A tea party lawmaker has written to Republican Gov. Rick Perry, imploring him to include legislation banning “intrusive” airport security screenings among the items in the special legislative session. Texas Rep. David Simpson, Longview, sponsored a bill in the House last month that would make it a criminal offense for officials conducting traveler pat-downs to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. The measure died in the Senate after a threat from federal officials to close airports if it were approved. Simpson sent a letter to Perry on Sunday urging him to defend the “privacy, dignity, and constitutional rights of our citizens.” Lawmakers can only take up measures Perry adds to a special-session call. A spokeswoman said there are no plans to add it.