BRAD ELLSWORTH COflII"'ITIUS:

8TH DISTRICT, INDIANA

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INVESTIGATIONS AND OVERSIGHT

August 12, 20 10

Dear Patrick,

Thank you for contacting me with your views on voter intimidation. I appreciate your
comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

In early January 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil complaint against the
New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense and three of its members. The complaint alleges that
two individuals wearing the group's uniform intimidated voters outside a Philadelphia polling
place on Election Day in 2008. While some media pundits have criticized the Obama
Administration for not prosecuting the case more aggressively, the investigation and court filings
occurred before President Obama took office. The decision to file a civil complaint under the
Voting Rights Act of 1965 was made by a U.S. attorney appointed by President Bush and then-
Attorney General Michael Mukasey.

Exercising the right to vote in free and fair elections is fundamental to what makes
American democracy work, and I expect that right to be strongly and fairly enforced. When law
enforcement officials make decisions and take actions to uphold the law and protect our rights,
those actions should be judged on their merits and their success or failure. But twisting those
actions for political gain or to attract media attention does nothing to protect our rights or
promote vigorous debate. When pundits intentionally misrepresent the facts of a case, they
disrespect the democratic rights that allow them to say someth~g in th_efirst place.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your views with me. If you would like to learn
more about my positions on issues important to you or receive regular updates on developments
in Congress, please visit my Online Office at www.ellsworth.house.gov and sign up for my e-
Newsletter.

-;;:1
Brad Ellsworth

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