Shred-gate

More on the shredding scandal:

Letter from Terry McCauliffe to Ed Gillepie.

October 13, 2004
Hon. Ed Gillespie
Chairman
Republican National Committee
312 First Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Ed:

In recent weeks, all over the country, the Republican Party has been engaged in systematic efforts to disenfranchise voters--to impose unlawful i.d. requirements in New Mexico, to throw eligible voters off the rolls in Clark County Nevada and to deprive voters of their rights to vote a provisional ballot in Ohio, among other examples.

And the Republicans' excuse for these efforts? It's always about protecting the process from "voter fraud." In fact the AP reported on September 19th that President Bush expressed to Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and Attorney General Brian Sandoval he was concerned about voter fraud in Clark County.

But just last night, the American people have learned that it is actually the Republicans who are engaging in voter fraud in Nevada, Oregon and potentially other states as well and in fact you are paying for it.

Press reports in Nevada disclosed that a Republican organization, "Voters Outreach for America" has been ripping up Democratic voter registration forms in that state. According to those same reports, on KLAS-TV, Channel 8, that group has been "largely, if not entirely, funded by the Republican National Committee." Indeed, a classified ad recruiting paid workers for "Voters Outreach" in Nevada carried the disclaimer, "Paid for by the RNC."

The Washoe County (Reno) Nevada voter registrar (who was identified as a Republican by Channel 8 News) has asked the FBI to investigate complaints of out of state groups submitting fraudulent voter registration forms and refusing to register anyone but Republicans.

And it is reported that this group has now moved its operations to Oregon, where the Secretary of State and Attorney General are already investigating allegations that a paid Republican canvasser was ordered to destroy forms turned in by Democrats.

In Oregon, "Voters Outreach", also known as "America Votes," has been linked to Sproul & Associates, a firm that has been paid some half a million dollars by the RNC.

Ed, there are only 20 days left to the election. Early vote starts in Nevada and Oregon over this weekend. We are deeply concerned these reports of Republican National Committee funded felonious activities in these states could serve to discourage all voters from voting because of concerns of problems with their ballot. Regardless of party or candidate, it is the civic and moral duty of both parties to encourage complete and full participation in the democratic process.

In the name of democracy, it is essential that you and the Republican National Committee proactively come forward to address this issue, especially since President Bush will be traveling to both of these states immediately following the debate. You can either let this burgeoning Republican scandal fester, or you can come clean with the American people by:

Giving the Election Officials in Nevada and Oregon, the press and the public answers to these questions immediately:

Why is the Republican National Committee funding an organization that is ripping up voter registration forms of Democrats?

Who's behind "Voters Outreach for America" and what is their link to Sproul & Associates?

How much has the RNC paid for "Voters Outreach" and similar groups to engage in voter registration?

Exactly what were these groups instructed to do about voters they registered who freely chose to register as Democrats?

Disclosing to Election officials, attorneys in Nevada and Oregon and press immediately, all documents, correspondence and invoices between the RNC and "Voters Outreach," Sproul and all other groups employed by the RNC to register voters;

Refusing to pay Sproul and any other groups engaged in GOP "registration activities" until all questions can be answered and information disclosed.

Voluntarily agreeing to make knowledgeable RNC officials available for depositions in the litigation being brought by the Democratic Party of Nevada seeking a remedy for the victims of Republican voter registration fraud in that state and any other state or party seeking relief based on RNC funded efforts.

Ed, please let me know right away whether you will agree to these steps which are essential to address the deep fears and concerns voters now have about Republican voter fraud.

Sincerely yours,

Terence R. McAuliffe
Chairman