Missouri Republican Bill Kidd, R-Independence, is no stranger to controversy. When sexual harassment charges swirled around the statehouse, Representative Kidd had a bold proposal: a dress code to put young women in “modest” attire to help stop those problems.
This year, Missouri Republicans have led off the session hoping to make significant changes in voting rights throughout the state of Missouri.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/2267165.html
Missouri law currently allows voters to identify themselves with a bank statement, paycheck or a government document that includes the voter's address. Voters also can use driver's licenses or identification from colleges and universities in Missouri. Under the new measure, voters would need an unexpired photo ID issued by Missouri, the federal government or the armed forces; student photo IDs would not be sufficient.
Missouri Republicans, however, have avoided ever bringing up the “D” word though — disenfranchisement, until Missouri Republican Bill Kidd waded right in.
In video captured by Progress Missouri, Representative Kidd addresses Rod Chapel, the new chair of the Missouri NAACP, and tells him that “The intent here is not to disenfranchise your vote.. maybe an unintended consequence..” acknowledging that the legislation, as written, will likely sever voting rights of Missouri.
That’s OK, though, because as Representative Kidd puts it, that really isn’t the intent and they mean it in only the best way.
The NAACP responded, telling press: "You don't have to put a color in a bill for it to have a racially discriminatory effect.”
The bill will move forward in the Missouri house. While Governor Jay Nixon is expected to veto the legislation, Republicans have a super-majority in the Republican house and senate, and several have signaled they believe they can round up the votes to push for a veto over-ride in time for passage.
Kansas & Missouri Kossacks
Contact the Daily Kos group Kansas & Missouri Kossacks by kosmail (members of Daily Kos only).
Contact Chris Reeves with news, tips, and/or information by email. tmservo433@gmail.com
Follow Chris on Twitter @tmservo433.
If you would like to publish or republish a Daily Kos diary to the group Kansas & Missouri Kossacks, please let us know by kosmail or email.
If you have a location or story that needs support from Connect! Unite! Act!, please let us know by kosmail or email.