DEM. REP. SAYS PROPOSED VOTER ID LAWS ARE ‘THINLY VEILED ATTEMPTS’ TO ‘SUPPRESS THE VOTING RIGHTS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS’

Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder last week asking him to review two proposed voting measures she claims are designed to “suppress the voting rights of African Americans and other minorities.”

“I am concerned about restrictive legislation concerning voter photo identification and the reduction of early voting days pending in the Ohio legislature, and seek your assistance,” Fudge wrote in her letter.

Rep. Marcia Fudge. (Image source: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The legislation, S. 238 and H.B. 269, would reduce the number of absentee voting days by six, prohibit pre-paid absentee ballots from being mailed to every voter and require individuals present a form of photo ID to vote.

“I believe both of these proposals are designed to systemically restrict the access of eligible Ohioans’ to the voting booth, particularly minorities, students and the elderly,” Fudge said of the proposals.

Via: The Blaze

Continue Reading....

Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman sees 'outstanding' opening on Syria

The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus said the United States should move with “all due speed” to see if a Russian-led diplomatic solution to the standoff over Syria’s possession of chemical weapons is a credible offer.

“I think that it is outstanding,” Rep. Marcia Fudge, Ohio Democrat, said of the diplomatic opening in an interview with CNN.

While President Obama plans to push his case to the American public late Tuesday for a military strike to punish Syrian President Bashar Assad for an Aug. 21 chemical attack near Damascus, officials in Syria said Tuesday they will accept Russia’s plan and put their chemical stockpiles into international control.

The White House and members of the Senate have indicated they will explore the diplomatic option, yet with a heavy dose of skepticism about Syria’s motives.

“So I’m hopeful, certainly, that this is something that will move forward,” Ms. Fudge told CNN.

Ms. Fudge said she had advised members of the caucus to limit their comments on the Syrian conflict because they should have a full stock of information about the situation before they weigh in. She does not have a vote count of where caucus members stand on a possible strike.

“We have not taken any kind of poll, no whip,” she said.

Via: Washington Times

Continue Reading....