Some folks think that the Republicans in Harrisburg are in a win-win situation. They would like to enact policies to reduce the number of voters. But they know that for strictly political reasons, if no other, Governor Rendell has to veto HB1318. So they hope to embarrass the Governor by tying him to “voter fraud” and by reminding people of the controversy during the 2004 election when some Republicans accused the Rendell administration of not giving enough time for military ballots to be counted.
So let us make sure that we remind everyone that there is no evidence of serious, widespread voter fraud in Pennsylvania. If the Republican controlled legislature wants to be concerned with political reform, they can begin by regulating lobbying in Harrisburg.
And, speaking of Republicans, what is Lynn Swann’s position on HB1318? Isn’t it time someone asked the Republican nominee for Governor his view on the morality of disenfranchising people? And, while they are at it, an enterprising reporter might ask him if thinks his elections chances are improved if HB1318 is enacted into law.
A recent editorial in the New York Times denounced the bill. A copy of the editorial is on my website here.