Election tampering by the GOP has been going on for years, and it is out in the open. Americans should not be surprised with allegations of gerrymandering by Republicans.
The stage was set for foreign influence long before Donald Trump ascended to his throne. Indeed, since 2008 (and some say earlier) the Republican Party set to influence future elections and effectively restrict voters from the political process by giving corporations disproportionate financial power.
Here is how they did it. Most of the votes were along party lines — or close to it.
Election Tampering Began With Citizens United
Citizens United – SJ Res 19 of 2014 was a proposed Amendment to the US Constitution which would allow Congress and States to set limits on campaign spending.
The Amendment would prohibit corporate and union donations in the political process, effectively regulating money flowing into campaigns and undoing Citizens United v. FEC.
A total of 54 Democrat and Independent Senators voted yes, 42 voted against the resolution, all of them Republicans. The attempt failed.
“Super PACs” and 501(c)4 entities made donations in the millions of dollars, effectively drowning out any voice the public may have had with their contributions. This clearly favors Republican candidates and conservative propositions.
Campaign Finance Disclosure – S 3628 was a 2010 bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The goal was to prohibit foreign influence in Federal elections and to set disclosure requirements for corporate membership and financial activities to the public. (Russia anyone?)
This was yet another move to undo Citizens United by limiting corporations with 20% or more foreign ownership from influencing elections through donations. The Bill was defeated. A total of 59 Democrat and Independent Senators voted yes and 39 voted no, all of them Republicans.
DISCLOSE Act – S 3628 was a 2012 was proposed legislation to lend greater transparency on secret corporate money and created robust reporting requirements. It was defeated. A total of 51 Democrat and Independent Senators voted in favor and 45 voted against, all of them Republicans.
GOP Opposed Reforms
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act – HR 2356 actually met with some dissension in the party lines. The 2002 Act amended the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide campaign reforms.
The legislation passed with a vote of 240-189, largely due to Democrats support, with 176 Republicans against the law. However, it seems it would be a few years before GOP lawmakers fell into line.
Finally, Election Tampering and the Ballots
Taxpayer Financing of Presidential Election Campaigns – HR 3463 of 2011 effectively did away with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (the “EAC”) and the presidential public financing system. The EAC, a bipartisan creation, set standards and certified voting systems.
The Commission conducted research into election management and acted as a clearinghouse for data and information. The EAC also helped states uphold voting rights and sought to improve accessibilty for voters with disabilities. The law was repealed. The vote was 235-190. All those voting yes were Republicans.
Backup Paper Ballot – HR 5803 of 2008 appropriated $75 million for grant for backup paper ballots. The Bill required a two-thirds majority and failed 228-170 with all no votes coming from the Republican side of the aisle.
It would seem the GOP is actively working against open, honest and fair elections. One side of the aisle appears to be making a concerted and orchestrated effort to interfere with our elections.
While voters wring their hands, instead of screaming about Russia, perhaps we should be pushing for an investigation into the activities of the Republicans.
