Rights Group Calls For Federal Probe Of NM Voter Intimidation

[babylonsister]

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/voting-rights_group_calls_for.php

Voting-Rights Group Calls For Federal Probe Of New Mexico Voter Intimidation
By Zachary Roth - October 24, 2008, 5:11PM


A major voting-rights group has sent a letter to New Mexico U.S. Attorney Gregory Fouratt, calling on him to investigate claims of voter intimidation and suppression.

The letter, from the group Project Vote, comes in the wake of reporting by TPMmuckraker and others about a private investigator -- who said he was working for Pat Rogers, a lawyer connected to the state GOP -- appearing at the homes of Hispanic voters in Albuquerque, and questioning them about their right to vote. In a press release announcing the letter, Project Vote refers directly to these reports.

In its letter, Project Vote -- a non-profit voting-rights group that works to increase voting in low-income and minority communities -- writes:

This form of intimidation and suppression is in direct violation of Section 12 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as well as Section 2. We feel that the right of all Americans to vote is of the utmost importance, and if there is credible evidence of voter intimidation and suppression of a particular class of voters it should be addressed and promptly persecuted.

Fouratt was appointed U.S. Attorney for the district after the 2006 firing of David Iglesias. According to a recent DOJ report, Iglesias was removed for his failure to prosecute voter fraud cases he believed to be bogus.

[stillcool]

1. I am so happy to see these..

people on top of things. I wish I had more money to donate to organizations like theirs.

[babylonsister]

2. This has been brewing: I'm happy to see some legal pushback. nt

[Azlady]

3. K&R

[Tigress DEM]

4. But this AG is not exactly unbiased SEE his statement about "illegal aliens"

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nm/pr/2008/c_d_baldwin/baldwin_carl_dean_plea_pr.pdf

STATEMENT OF U.S. ATTORNEY GREG FOURATT
ON GUILTY PLEA OF CARL BALDWIN
UNITED STATES v. CARL DEAN BALDWIN, CR 07-2240 JB


<snip>

This case should send this strong and unmistakable signal to New Mexico employers: if you hire illegal aliens and assist them in possessing bogus identification to give them the air of legitimacy, you will be criminally prosecuted. Employers should consider themselves now on notice that following the path chosen by Mr. Baldwin risks their freedom, their companies’ continued existence, and the livelihoods of the rest of their legitimate employees who have committed no crime at all. Worksite enforcement is a top priority of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is here to stay.

This case was the culmination of a years-long and determined investigation by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luis Martinez and Stephen Wong.

[lonestarnot]

5. Send the motherfuckers down here! Come on down you bastards!