AP: Democrats Fight Voting Rights Act Changes

[Eugene]

Democrats Fight Voting Rights Act Changes


Thursday July 13, 2006 6:01 PM

AP Photo LAWH103

By LAURIE KELLMAN

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, once a sure thing,
hit another bump Thursday as House Democrats threatened to vote against it
if any changes by Southern conservatives were added.

"Democrats would not be able to vote for the bill if any one of those amendments
passes," said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. "Any one of them would be a
weakening of the Voting Rights Act."

None of the four amendments, granted a vote on the eve of Thursday's floor debate,
was expected to be added to the renewal.

But their mere consideration was evidence of the power Southern conservatives wield
even over their own Republican leaders. Complaining that the act as written would
single out their states and localities for federal oversight without crediting them
for strides on racial issues, the group forced GOP leaders to pull the bill and hold
votes for amendments that would loosen the restrictions.

<snip>

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5949077,00.html

[FrenchieCat]

1. Dems are playing the defensive on the election issues......

They are fighting steps to try to keep us from going backwards....instead of fighting for Election reform that would take us forward.

I don't blame them...it is just the way that it is thanks to GOP laying the groundwork for this and the media playing along.

So sad! :(