NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

For Immediate Release: April 21st, 2011
Contact: Eric Jotkoff, (850) 222-3411

Chairman Smith Blasts Republican ‘Voter Suppression Bill’ And Republicans’ Attack On Voting Rights Of Brave Men And Women Serving In The Military

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith released the following statement blasting Republicans efforts to disenfranchise Floridians, specifically the Republican efforts attacking the voting rights of members of the U.S. Armed Forces:

“Today, Dean Cannon and the House Republicans rammed through their ‘Voter Suppression Bill,’ which is nothing more than a partisan power grab designed to disenfranchise Floridians and would basically criminalize voter registration efforts.

“Last night, Floridians saw the Republicans’ real priorities as the House debated this legislation.

“Republicans repeatedly voted against the common sense campaign finance reforms, showing once again that the Republicans are beholden to special interests.

“Republicans voted against making it more convenient for voters to go vote.

“And perhaps the most shameful part of the Republican voter suppression effort happened when every Republican voted to make it more difficult for members of the military to vote.

“While Democrats fought to ensure the brave men and women in uniform wouldn’t be disenfranchised by this legislation, Republicans all voted against the members of our military who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom to vote.

“Since Rick Scott’s own Republican Secretary of State, Kurt Browning, has repeatedly debunked the claims made by Republicans regarding any issues with Florida’s current elections law, Floridians should see that this bill is simply an attack on the voting rights of all Floridians.

“It is my sincere hope that my former colleagues in the Senate reject this assault on Florida’s democratic process and defeat this effort to suppress the voting rights of all Floridians.”

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