As expected, the Democrat-controlled state House of Representatives passed, over Republican objections, bogus "election reform" measures that will only make it easier to commit and get away with election fraud.
Rep. Toby Nixon issued this press release today:
Voters can see where Democrats stand on election reformLegislation passed today fails to resolve issues about voter eligibility, handling of ballots
Rep. Toby Nixon said the flawed election legislation passed early this morning in the House of Representatives falls short of what’s needed to properly address public concerns about Washington’s election system and restore voter trust.
“We should be making changes this session – not next session, but now – to prevent a repeat of the general election fiasco,” Nixon said. “The bills passed today reflect the governor’s ridiculous claim that the 2004 general election was a ‘model’. If they become law, the door will remain open to embarrassments like we saw in King County.Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at April 15, 2005 12:38 PM | Email This“Every vote should have a voter, and no eligible voters should be disenfranchised because their votes are canceled out by votes from illegal voters. Apparently that’s too much to ask,” Nixon continued.
A majority of House Democrats voted to push their rewrites of Senate Bill 5499 and Senate Bill 5743 through during the late-night session. Nixon said Democrat changes made at the committee level turned the bills upside down, replacing many meaningful provisions with language that fails to resolve a myriad of concerns about voter registration and the handling of ballots.
“It is in everyone's interest to insure that qualified voters are not disenfranchised. It is in all of our interest to restore trust in the election system. And that is why I am dismayed and disappointed that we could not reach agreement on the reasonable, common-sense reforms we proposed today." Nixon said.
“The Democrat chair of the House State Government Operations and Accountability said publicly that she expects major election reforms to be implemented over the next two or three years,” added Nixon, who is lead Republican member of that committee. “Why the delay, when the legislation we need is available today? Do the Democrats think waiting is being accountable to the voters? And if these bills are their idea of ‘major reforms,’ watch out.”
Republicans offered a series of amendments to each bill, hoping to return safeguards aimed at restoring integrity to the elections system. The amendments included one that simply asked the House to endorse the idea that illegal votes dilute the impact of legal votes, and another which described requiring positive identification and proof of citizenship as paramount to a fair and reliable election. Most were rejected.
Nixon said HB 5499 “does some good things related to ballot handling, signature matching, handling of write-in votes, reconciliation, and earlier deadlines for election contests. But it also has inadequate identification requirements at the polls. It would still be possible for someone to register to vote without identification, to vote without identification, and to have their ballot counted without identification."
Because the identification requirement is a key element, and because of the weak identification language adopted in the bill, Nixon said he couldn't support the measure.
“Election reform is the defining issue of the legislative session,” said Nixon. “We’ve seen wild overspending and huge tax increases from the Democrats before, but taxes and spending aren’t at the heart of our system of government – voting is. Our amendments gave them the perfect opportunity to do the right thing by the voters. We put the ball in their hands, and they fumbled it. It’s clear now where they stand.”
Well nobody can say the dems don't have an ambitious agenda.
Posted by: chuck miller on April 15, 2005 12:56 PMCorruption. No other word says it better. The battle is engaged.
Let no man live with chains.
Posted by: Ken Muller on April 15, 2005 01:01 PMMaybe Gray Davis should re-pursue is his political career here!
Posted by: flexnfx on April 15, 2005 01:06 PMAre you sure Gregoire is not in fact--Grey Davis?
Somebody should check on this.
Posted by: Amused by liberals on April 15, 2005 01:15 PMyou are forgetting that goat-theft officially became a felony yesterday.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2002241602_webgoatnapping14.html
Source for the top ten donors in WA: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001988020_donors25m.html
With comments like those, the nasty democrats are likely to think that they don't like you!
Considering how extreme your viewpoints are one of them might get his nose out of joint and slit your throat in the middle of the night.
Nasty democrats......
Posted by: alphabet soup on April 15, 2005 01:43 PMThis liberal legislative rampage is beginning to resemble a crime spree. Thinly diguising an attempt to expand human cloning as anti-cloning law? Increased state gas taxes as gas prices reach for $3.00/gal.? (Talk about insensititve.) California auto emissions?!! And now, resisting any and all attempts to institute really effective election reforms.
I wonder if they have any idea how much damage they are doing to their own future. Even in the heat of election (and post-election) battle, more moderate Democrats than I would have thought likely were crying "foul" at their party's antics. Imagine how those folks are feeling now, seeing that same reckless and unconscionable partisanship translated into mindlessly extreme legislation.
Posted by: Dale Mirenda on April 15, 2005 01:50 PMSide note: If your life isn't worth living, almost every moment is filled with self loathing and your greatest wish is that you were dead... what are you waiting for?
(Oh that's right... you can't do anything for yourself... you must be still waiting for the government to do it for you.)
Posted by: Troll on April 15, 2005 01:54 PMI hope you were serious that you were going to go watch Fox news. It would help that you have seen it before criticizing it. But then having another point of view might clear the rose colored spectacles.
Posted by: Fred on April 15, 2005 01:58 PMBut, you wait, now the MSM and other lousy, stinking 'Rat cesspools will start trumpeting this as "real progress" (towards total 'Rat control), and of how Fraudoire is "an effective leader". Of course, that was the purpose of this charade all along, to burnish the image of an illegimate governor and further diminish Rossi's case in the public "mind". Anyone who participated in it, especially Commissar Reed, ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Posted by: Interested Observer on April 15, 2005 01:58 PMProposed Democratic election reform legislation: "Any US citizen 18 years old or older is encouraged to vote and we will make certain that no impediments to anyone's desire to vote is ever put in place. Voting should be made as simple and as easy as possible for everyone who is qualified."
I rest my case!
Posted by: Nelson on April 15, 2005 02:31 PMYour beloved savior and operator of this site Stefan Sharkansky has a combined home and land value of $809,000. Even in Seattle that sounds like a rich guy to me. I’m not going to bother checking into the main contributors of this site, I’m sure I don’t have to.
"Is this something that George Soros taught you through his $million advertisements this last election cycle or was it the gold-digging millionaire Theresa Heinz-Kerry that convinced you as she spoke in french at the dem convention? Either way, why don't you drive on over to the farmers of eastern WA and explain yourself, I'm sure they'll understand."
Did you forget that George Bush just set a record for the most money raised for a campaign in American election history? Republicans are by money, for money, and in favor of money. One of the GOP's main platform issues is "Building an Innovative Economy to Compete in the World" that sounds like making monopoly's everywhere sugar-coated to me. And I’m not sure what this “dem convention” you’re referring to is, but if you’re referring to the democratic convention then nice grammar smart one.
Your beloved savior and operator of this site Stefan Sharkansky has a combined home and land value of $809,000. Even in Seattle that sounds like a rich guy to me. I’m not going to bother checking into the main contributors of this site, I’m sure I don’t have to.
"Is this something that George Soros taught you through his $million advertisements this last election cycle or was it the gold-digging millionaire Theresa Heinz-Kerry that convinced you as she spoke in french at the dem convention? Either way, why don't you drive on over to the farmers of eastern WA and explain yourself, I'm sure they'll understand."
Did you forget that George Bush just set a record for the most money raised for a campaign in American election history? Republicans are by money, for money, and in favor of money. One of the GOP's main platform issues is "Building an Innovative Economy to Compete in the World" that sounds like making monopoly's everywhere sugar-coated to me. And I’m not sure what this “dem convention” you’re referring to is, but if you’re referring to the democratic convention then nice grammar smart one.
Your beloved savior and operator of this site Stefan Sharkansky has a combined home and land value of $809,000. Even in Seattle that sounds like a rich guy to me. I’m not going to bother checking into the main contributors of this site, I’m sure I don’t have to.
"Is this something that George Soros taught you through his $million advertisements this last election cycle or was it the gold-digging millionaire Theresa Heinz-Kerry that convinced you as she spoke in french at the dem convention? Either way, why don't you drive on over to the farmers of eastern WA and explain yourself, I'm sure they'll understand."
Did you forget that George Bush just set a record for the most money raised for a campaign in American election history? Republicans are by money, for money, and in favor of money. One of the GOP's main platform issues is "Building an Innovative Economy to Compete in the World" that sounds like making monopoly's everywhere sugar-coated to me. And I’m not sure what this “dem convention” you’re referring to is, but if you’re referring to the democratic convention then nice grammar smart one.
Why are you opposed to showing ID at the polls?
and
Why are you opposed to requiring proof of citizenship at time of registration?
They kind of dance around the issue but in the end they all the emails come to the a similar excuse that placing these safeguards would cause a "hassle" for potential voters, and may cause them not to vote.
My response: Do you decide not to go to the grocery store because they might ask you for ID when paying by check or credit card? NO
Do you not cash a check at the bank or get your balance because they will ask you for ID? NO
Do you not go to the airport to get on your flight because they will ask for ID at the counter and gate? NO
The notion of showing ID or proof of citizenship as being a hassle and might prevent would be voters from voting is a joke! I show people ID on average about twice a day for things far less important then voting like groceries and dry cleaning. Anyone with any common sense knows the real reason for opposing these safeguards.
These reforms are a joke. If your representitive voted for them be sure to email them your displeasure and vote accordingly in future elections.
I
Posted by: Joe on April 15, 2005 02:48 PMThe democrats are united AGAINST the will of the people on every issue before our government. The republicans are fighting to PROTECT the will of the people.
With this concept in mind, a republican sweep of the house and senate will occur. The democrats have forgotten how precarious a position they are in. How many districts voted for Rossi but are in the hands of democrat senators and representatives? Compare that with the number of districts that went to Gregoire but are have elected republican legislators. See the point?
I hope they pass all of these stupid laws because it will blow up in their faces in a big way come 2006. I am already saving up money to give to whoever ends up becoming Tracey Eide's opponent, and I am working to build up a network of friends who will do the same.
Posted by: Jonathan Gardner on April 15, 2005 03:27 PM"We receive requests for exemption via writing. We review those, grant the exemption or deny and then shred the letter."
Greg Wheeler
Manager - Jury Services
Tue, 12 Apr 2005
In a message dated 4/12/2005 2:49:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Greg.Wheeler@METROKC.GOV writes:
Jurors are disqualified for 5 reasons;
Citizenship
Residency
Inability to speak English
Age (Must be at least 18)
Felony conviction without having full right restored
Jurors can be excused for any number of reasons as long as the reason falls within policy; physical incapacity, financial hardship, childcare issues, etc. However, they are all pooled statistically as "excused".
Greg Wheeler
Manager - Jury Services
206.296.9319
www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/juror.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Wheeler, Greg
Sent: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 12:54:04 -0700
Subject: RE: JUROR LIST
We receive requests for exemption via writing. We review those, grant the exemption or deny and then shred the letter. The reasons for requesting exemption are very often quite personal. They are not available for public perusal.
A new juror pool is developed each year and filed with the Clerk's Office and is available to the public.
Greg Wheeler
Manager - Jury Services
206.296.9319
www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/juror.htm
The Dems don't want the voter rolls to be cleaned. They don't want to force voters to register with *valid* photo ID.
They don't want voters to have to produce legitimate proof of who they are.
These measures would make it much more difficult for them to rig election outcomes.
As such, when we create well worded Initiatives to curb their hunger for *our* money, they gut it, knowing there won't be any real repurcussions.
With increasing taxation and no representation we are left with no alternative but some form of revolt.
Posted by: lee egg on April 15, 2005 03:53 PMWhy should they change anything? What impetus do they have to conduct themselves in a manner that supports liberty, democracy, the constitution, and fairness? Obviously, they are going to get away with it. The SoS going to stand up as the guarantor of freedom in this state? HARDLY! The Attorney General? Perhaps after he finishes with geoduck poachers and video store settlements. The State Patrol? Thought so. The people? It's quite obvious that the answer is no.
Not when we have a self sustaining mass of corruption out there to bleed the people who actually pay taxes. Not when we have so many people out there trying to soak someone else to get THEIR little piece without having to pay for it. Not when we purposely set processes up to engender the blackmail, extortion, quid pro quo, and assorted other nefarious means to accomplish the agenda of the party. Not when the seated political party is in charge, ramrodding their agenda through. Not when the media acts like a lapdog and actively advocates for the continuation and expansion of this corrupt philosophy. Not when the people choose to ignore common sense, kowtow to the 'powers that be,' and like sheep, just accept it as life in this century!
I want the FEDS in here right blessed NOW! Warrants, agents, handcuffs, and put this state into receivership! Hell, get the 81st BDE going. They have had some recent experience dealing with corrupt governments and bringing democracy to folks. Maybe they can apply some lessons learned and help us out! If the nonsense that has gone on isn't enough to violate the Voting Rights Act to the point of bringing Federal Intervention, I can't conceive what possible standard would exist! USAG, step up and do your job, man!
And to the Honorable Judge Bridges. You really need to declare RCW 68.110 unconstitutional on the grounds that since the constitution guarantees a vote to be secret, that this cannot be used as a standard to apply illegal votes to candidates. Yes, it's a guaranteed review by the Supreme Court when the jackass party demands an appeal, but how can you, as a sitting judge, conceive of a situation in which that section is constitutionally valid?
I shall stop now. The BP is pretty high.
Posted by: Patches Pal on April 15, 2005 04:23 PMThe WA state Democrats: Making the state safe for vote fraud (what? who us?)
Posted by: Michele on April 15, 2005 04:32 PMI judge a party by it's actions, not by it's "platform". It appears to me that the Democrat method of trying to help the poor is to make everyone else poor at the point of a Government gun.
From each according to their ability, to each according to his need has been tried before, and was (and continues to be) a spectacular failure.
Posted by: Mark on April 15, 2005 04:38 PMWe will remember!
Posted by: GS on April 15, 2005 05:10 PMI-601 gutted. So much for the will of the people
Gas taxes raised sky high. Despite the voters saying now
Taking away the Roosevelt era supermajority requirement on levies
Taxing canned meat
Taxing smokes
Taxing
Taxing
Taxing
Reforms. But hey, if it makes db happy, guess it's ok. Screw the voters. Screw the citizens. Make doc happy
Re-read the report from Bob Williams's Voters Integrity Project: "Analysis of the 2004 Governor's Election." It is all there, complete with documentation. http://www.effwa.org/pdfs/InterimElectionReport.pdf
"Virtually every problem we have identified had already been addressed in reform legislation passed by the federal government in 2002 and our state government in 2003. Unfortunately, most of our state election officials did not implement these new laws, which went into effect July 2004."
Legislation? - Federal 2002, our state 2003? - went into effect July 2004? Hey, isn't July 2004 before November 2004? Doesn't that mean that Washington State was out of compliance with election reform legislation? - both its own, and even on the federal level? Doesn't that make it an ILLEGAL election?
Once again we are being duped into duplicating what is already done. In the meanwhile, we citizens are ignored, and our state is being devastated by out-of-control changes in Olympia, made by those exerting their illegitimate power.
The existence of a pending court case by the Republicans is in no way incompatible with the fact that the report from the Voters Integrity Project screams for the need to begin prosecutions - immediately. It documents egregious disregard for election laws that already existed at the time of the November election. Actual people ignored the law, and it is no mystery who they are. Time is of the essence. Changes are happening in Olympia that affect us as the clock ticks.
Why are the people's rights to protection under the law being disregarded?
Chelion
Because they don't suit the LIBERAL agenda which is gaining and controlling power by any means.
Posted by: Cheryl on April 15, 2005 11:10 PMChelion has very valid concerns here.....We ALL do!
So - How's this going to work?
Rossi wins his election contest. A new election for Governor is set for November. Rossi easily wins that election....(inspite of more attempted fraud by the Democrats - who thought their *fast track* All Mail voting system would allow them room to tamper again..)
OK..Rossi is now Governor...How does he UN-DO what the Democrats on steroids in the legislature and Gregoire have done for a year? Will his Veto powers allow him to veto what Gregoire accepted? Will everything Gregoire did automatically be voided along with the results of last Novembers Governors race?
How will this work?
(And if I see a damn bill presented by the Democrats in the House or Senate - that suddenly guarantees all of Gregoires work in the event her Governorship is voided.....I will personally call every freakin Alphabet agency I can find until someone comes here to clean up this crap!)
Posted by: Deborah on April 15, 2005 11:58 PMPlease end this legislative session immediately, for they know not what damage they do.
No, a bolt of lightning would not be enough!
Thank You and please hear our prayers
Amen
Posted by: GS on April 16, 2005 12:07 AMWord to Rep. Nixon: Compromise is how government works best.
Posted by: Pierre Drinkingwater on April 16, 2005 05:10 AMWhy should the lousy 'Rats change anything? They hold the levers of power. They aren't going to do anything that will lessen the opportunity for them to commit fraud and steal elections. Not only did they not lessen those chances with this crap of a piece of legislation, they enhanced them.
But, you wait, now will come the fallout. The stinking 'Rat MSM will trumpet this as a victory for Fraudoire, and show off the abilities of "an effective leader". The whole stupid sham was nothing from the start except a chance to deflect attention from an illegitimate governor, lessen the impact of Rossi's case in the public "mind", and provide cover for the 'Rats who steal elections. It's just a "see, we're doing something about the problem", like they supposedly did for the KC problems in 2000, 2002, etc. Nothing will change unless an outside agency comes in and cleans out the infection, and starts the whole thing over.
Posted by: Interested Observer on April 16, 2005 08:49 AMAdam Broller: Get therapy.
DocBenton: Horse Hockey? Lucid and meaningful as always.
Posted by: Amused by liberals on April 16, 2005 11:13 AMI can just hear the dinner conversation at the gov. mansion, Money well spent! A sucessful distraction campaign.
I'll bet CG is laughing her donkey off!
Posted by: Terry Clark C on April 16, 2005 12:11 PMPierre, Nelson, Headless..and Tom?...etc...have been outright boring in their snide posts! They cannot decide which strategy to use in here! The script says to "post negative comments here at Sound Politics so we (those of us interested in fair elections)will become discouraged"...but that strategy doesn't seem to work in here.....Hmmm...
Oh man! Does this mean we are going to see armies of Paul Berendts type liberals weeping uncontrollably on the streets?......again?
Why would they (the liberals) weep?
1.Because they lost the Presidential election to Bush...
2.They lost the Governors race to Rossi - TWICE...and soon to be a third time...
3.Because with the Rossi contest - a whole lot of dirty laundry is being aired with respect to their questionable election procedures.
4.Because the people of this state are alert right now and watching everything the Democrats in Olympia are doing - and we will not forget....
The trolls need new material.....and a kleenex..
These people have their heads where the sun don't shine when it comes to efficient government and election reform and are a representative cross-section of the bufoons that "represent" us in Olympia. Now its up to the Republicans to find some formidable candidates in this legislative district to replace these losers in 2006 !
Posted by: KS on April 17, 2005 09:24 PMReally, what's so awful about excluding non-citizens from voting?
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on April 18, 2005 08:06 AMCitizenship
Residency
Inability to speak English
Age (Must be at least 18)
Felony conviction without having full right restored.
Jurors can be excused for any number of reasons as long as the reason falls within policy; physical incapacity, financial hardship, childcare issues, etc. However, they are all pooled statistically as "excused".
Greg Wheeler
Manager - Jury Services
206.296.9319
www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/juror.htm