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Posted: March 7, 2007 04:27 PM
Chapman said he believes a resolution would enhance his chances of avoiding extradition.
'Dog' Show Draws Capitol Support
Norman Lee -
nlee@kgmb9.com
Famed bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman is looking to add the state of Hawaii to his list of supporters in his ongoing battle with the government of Mexico.
Chapman is fighting extradition to Mexico where he faces criminal charges stemming from the 2003 capture of convicted serial rapist Andrew Luster.
The House Committee on International Affairs today considered a resolution calling on the President of Mexico and the courts in Mexico to drop extradition efforts against the reality television star.
"You guys represent the people and I just want to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will always make you proud," Chapman testified before committee members. "I didn't start this to be a hero. I just wanted people to see what I do for a living. But I'm going to show you and I promise you, what a hero is."
Hundreds of people submitted written testimony; much of it was in favor of the resolution. A handful of people actually testified before the committee. Again, the majority was in support of Chapman and the resolution.
"I'm from the east coast and I watched the show even before I came out to Hawaii and I think he does a really good job in getting fugitives," testified University of Hawaii student Nicole Ryan.
"I think the state of Hawaii, the United States government and the international authorities should get behind 'Dog' and make sure this extradition is fought tooth and nail and that Aloha should prevail," testified Paul Klink of the Aloha Foundation.
But there was one person who criticized lawmakers for considering the resolution.
"If this was anyone else, we wouldn't be having this hearing and I think it makes a mockery of our law," testified Brett Bruett, who opposes the resolution. "We are a society built on laws and this is a legal matter.
"The Mexican government has every right to extradite the fugitives and the Mexican government requested that right and our government agreed. Where does Hawaii step in?" Bruett continued.
During Bruett's remarks, Chapman's wife, Beth, began to protest vehemently.
"What about the victims? Don't they have rights?" she cried out.
Committee Chairwoman Rida Cabanilla then ordered the sergeant at arms to escort Beth Chapman from the conference room.
"Listen," said Beth Chapman as she slowly walked out of the room. "He doesn't have to take me. I will walk out, because I would never give this guy (Bruett) the kind of significance to sit here and listen to him."
Afterwards, a much-calmer Beth Chapman tried to explain why Bruett's critical remarks touched a nerve. "People who come out against 'Dog' like that and speak about how he hunts people down, you know, those are advocates for criminals," she said.
When asked whether she was simply putting on a performance for the benefit of lawmakers and the television cameras, Beth Chapman replied, "I've never pulled a political stunt, so I don't know if that constitutes a political stunt. For me, a stunt is a stunt. You know, when somebody puts on a wig and pretends they're you."
In the end, the committee unanimously voted to pass the resolution, which now heads to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Supporters of the resolution admit it carries no legal weight and is unlikely to reach the desk of the President of Mexico. That has led to some criticism that lawmakers are pushing for the resolution because they are star-struck.
"If it was a constituent who needed help, I definitely and certainly would help them. Because he's a celebrity has nothing to do with it," insisted Representative Gene Ward who pushed for the resolution. "He happens to be a constituent. He happens to be somebody who I, as the representative, represent."
Chapman said he believes a resolution would enhance his chances of avoiding extradition.
"Absolutely 100 percent. It shows both the government(s) in America and in Mexico that the people run this country and the people are behind us," said Chapman.
When asked to rate his chances of avoiding extradition on a scale of between one and 10, Chapman replied, "In faith, a 10 I will not (be extradited). In fear, a five."
Brook Hart, Chapman's attorney, said an appeal is under consideration by the Mexican courts. The appeal is to clear up the facts of the case, such as the circumstances under which the Chapmans captured Luster on Mexican soil, and to clarify the charges prosecutors will pursue against Chapman.
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