A state judge in Kentucky has given the
'go ahead' for the GOP to use poll
challengers in predominantly black precincts of western Louisville during tomorrow's big election.
While there are provisions in state law that allow political parties to place essentially passive monitors in polling places, the GOP's plan to use challengers in only those precincts dominated by black voters in Louisville is rather alarming. Given the GOP's recent history of doing almost anything to deny the rights of people (especially minorities) to vote (Baltimore, MD and Arkansas in 2002 and, of course, Florida in 2000 come to mind), this tactic is as transparent as Saran wrap. The ACLU filed lawsuits in both state and federal court to prevent the challengers from interfering with voters. We're still waiting on word from the Feds...
But, while the Republicans are doing their best to steal yet another election, they may have overplayed their hand a bit. This time as the story came out early and it is getting a good deal of media coverage, especially in the Louisville area.
DEM Gov candidate, and current state Attorney General, Ben Chandler spent the weekend campaigning in western Louisville and it seems that this story has fired-up the voters there.
Unfortunately, this type of thing shouldn't be surprising to anyone anymore. The GOP has been suppressing Democratic voters like this for years. And, given the GOP's absolute desperation to capture the KY Governor's Mansion this year, these tactics fit the needs of the state GOP and their Gov candidate Ernie Fletcher quite well.