Appeals court hears arguments in Obama birth suit

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Leaders in the so-called "birther" movement argued their case over President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship before a federal appeals court today in Southern California, claiming the full birth certificate he released last week had been doctored.

But it was unclear how far their arguments would go, given the previous failed lawsuits on the issue and concern from the court about whether the latest claim was filed too late to be considered.

Obama's production of the vital record was aimed at quashing any lingering doubt among critics who contend he shouldn't have been elected because he couldn't prove he was a citizen — a prerequisite for the nation's highest office.

But it has not deterred Orly Taitz, an attorney at the forefront of the birther movement. Today, Taitz told a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the long-form birth certificate released by Obama is "not a true and correct image."

"It's very inventive computer art," she said.

Taitz and attorney Gary Kreep, on behalf of more than 40 plaintiffs, are seeking to revive a lawsuit challenging Obama's citizenship that was dismissed by U.S. District Judge David Carter in late 2009. They asked the panel to remand the suit to Judge Carter in Orange County.