Electoral Challenges and Confidence in Democracy
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With more and more races getting closer and closer, lawyers for both parties are ready to challenge various stages of the electoral process. How long will it take before we know who controls the next Congress? Will challenges and delays damage confidence in American democracy? Plus, sectarian response to Saddam's death sentence, and ballot measures challenging judicial independence.
Main Topic
Parties Gear Up for Legal Battle ()
The latest polls show Republicans picking up steam among likely voters, meaning that more races for the Senate and Congress could be closer than ever. With the possibility of more challenges at various stages of the electoral process, both parties are mobilizing thousands of lawyers. Republicans are concentrating on possible fraud, Democrats are focused on access, and the federal Department of Justice is sending 800 lawyers to 65 cities in 20 states. How long will it take before we know who’s in charge on Capitol Hill? Will challenges and delays damage confidence in American democracy? We hear about possible challenges to voter ID, electronic voting and absentee ballots.
Guests:
- John Mercurio: Senior Editor, The Hotline
- Rick Hasen: Professor of Law, Loyola Law School , @rickhasen
- Audra Miller: Spokesperson for the Maryland Republican Party
- Rob Heggie: General Council for the Missouri Democratic Party
- Karlyn Bowman: Resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute
- Thomas Patterson: Professor of Government at Harvard University
Links:
- Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
- Pew Research Center on GOP cutting Democrats' campaign lead
- CNN Poll on Democrats boosting lead over Republicans
- USA-Today/Gallup on Democrats' small but shrinking lead over GOP
- CBS News/New York Times Poll on Democrats' lead
- Washington Post article on expectations of 'voter misery' in Missouri
- ACORN on St. Louis Board of Elections retracting intimidating voter ID letter
- Pew Research Center on voter-ID requirement
Making News
Saddam's Death Sentence and Reconciliation in Iraq ()
Yesterday's death sentence for Saddam Hussein has outraged Sunnis and led to predictions that sectarian difference might never be resolved. But today, a draft proposal from Iraq's Shiite-dominated government offered what could be a major concession.
Guests:
- Borzou Daragahi: Reporter, Los Angeles Times, @borzou
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
Voters to Consider Curbs on Judicial Authority ()
South Dakota's "Jail 4 Judges" measure, Amendment E, would allow citizens to sue judges who made legal decisions they didn't like. It's the most Draconian evidence of a national movement to control what backers call "a system gone out of control." In addition to South Dakota, Oregon, Colorado and North Dakota all have ballot measures that would limit the independence of judges. Is the judiciary at risk as an institution?
Guests:
- Bert Brandenburg: Executive Director of the Justice at Stake campaign
Transcripts of To the Point are available from The Transcription Company, (818) 848-6500, or www.transcripts.net. A CD copy is available by calling 1.888.600.5279
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