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Washington, DC 20515
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Press Releases

For Immediate Release:
October 14, 2008 
 

Sensenbrenner, Petri, Ryan Call for ACORN Investigation in Wisconsin

 

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls), Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac) and Paul Ryan (R-Janesville), today sent letters to Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, and to Wisconsin’s two US Attorneys, Steven Biskupic and Erik Peterson, calling for an investigation into the activities of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN).

ACORN is a tax-exempt organization with a long and detailed history of engaging in illegal political activity, including vote fraud.  Though the letters focus on ACORN’s Wisconsin operations, this is an issue of national concern in light of recent media reports that have portrayed an organization with a pattern of vote fraud activities in several other states, including an attempt to register Mickey Mouse to vote in Florida.

“The right to vote is one of the most sacred privileges reserved for the citizens of this nation,” said Sensenbrenner.  “The disruption of this process through fraudulent and illegal means inflicts a grave injustice against those of us who take this civic duty seriously, and with the utmost respect.  I am dumbfounded at the audacity of some members of ACORN in their apparent willingness to disregard the laws of our country, and hope those convicted are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Rep. Petri said, “We need our elections to produce clear, certifiable results that everyone can believe in.  Electoral fraud makes a mockery of democracy and deserves to be handled sternly.  I don’t want to pre-judge any particular case, but allegations of fraud should be investigated thoroughly.  And when found to be justified, they should be prosecuted.”

“Wisconsinites are preparing to make their voices heard at the ballot box this November, and will do so with the expectation that our electoral process is legal and fair,” added Ryan.  “I strongly support initiatives that encourage citizens to actively participate in the political process and lawfully exercise their right to vote.  However, I am deeply troubled by the laundry list of allegations of voter fraud perpetrated by organizations such as ACORN, which not only violate our nation's laws, but also violate Americans’ trust in our laws.  I proudly stand with Congressmen Sensenbrenner and Petri in advocating on behalf of those we serve by calling for the strict enforcement of our voting laws.”

For a copy of the letter sent to Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, click here.

For a copy of the letter sent to U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic, click here.

For a copy of the letter sent to U.S. Attorney Erik Peterson, click here.