FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: ‘Voter Suppression of Minorities Cannot Be Tolerated’

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on media reports that a voter suppression campaign against Latino voters in Orange County, California may be connected with a Republican Congressional campaign:

“The ugly voter suppression activities against Latino voters in Orange County are illegal and disgraceful.  Those activities violate federal and state voting laws, and must be investigated and prosecuted by law enforcement authorities to the fullest extent of the law.

“Voter suppression of minorities cannot be tolerated.  The right to vote must never be compromised.

“Sadly, the Republican Party has a long history of engaging in voter suppression activities of qualified minority voters.  In fact, the Republican National Committee continues to be under a federal consent decree that prohibits it from undertaking voter suppression activities based on race.

“I urge Republican Party leaders, especially Speaker Hastert, RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman, and NRCC Chairman Tom Reynolds, to disavow these tactics, and if the campaign is found to be involved, to request that the candidate withdraw from the race.  They should further instruct all Republican candidates and campaign and party workers to refrain from any effort to disenfranchise voters through systematic challenges and voter suppression efforts targeted at Latinos and other minorities.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi