Secretary Of State Watch
May 13, 2009
Readers of American Courthouse know that I (and many others) have often written about the role of groups funded by hedge fund billionaire George Soros in trying to abolish democratic judicial elections across America and to adopt “merit selection” systems that put lawyers in charge of choosing judges. But his influence in American politics doesn’t stop there. Soros and other prominent Democrats are also working to influence the conduct (and therefore the outcome) of elections under the guise of something called the “Secretary of State Project.”
In many states, the Secretary of State is responsible for the conduct of elections; some are elected, others appointed. Ever since the 2000 Florida recount, in which Secretary of State Katherine Harris played a prominent role, the office has assumed a higher prominence, particularly in swing states. As USA Today reported in 2006, “The political battle for control of the federal government has opened up a new front: the obscure but vital state offices that determine who votes and how those votes are counted.”
So after the 2004 Presidential election, in which some leftwing folklore blames John Kerry’s loss on then-Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, some major Democratic donors decided that they’d try to go after the Secretary of State positions in certain key states. Mathew Vadum of The American Spectator noted that “According to IRS 8872 disclosure forms, the Secretary of State Project received donations from Democracy Alliance members including [George] Soros, Rob Stein, Gail Furman, and Susie Tompkins Buell.”
And they’ve had some success. Down ballot races often attract fewer donors, so targeted donations can make a real difference. In 2006, the Project won five of the seven races they targeted. In 2006, the Project targeted seven states (Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Nevada, New Mexico, and Ohio) and won five (all but Colorado and Michigan). In 2008, they went four for four (Missouri, Montana, Oregon, and West Virginia).
As we move towards 2010, I’ll be keeping an eye on these races, and the role that the Secretary of State Project and major Democratic donors play in trying to be sure that partisan Democrats get to count the registrations and the votes.
Posted by Dan Pero in the categories: Secretary of State Watch
2 Responses to “Secretary Of State Watch”
[...] The Alinsky strategy has worked for many years however the “community organizers” intimidation and strong arm tactics are becoming less effective. The most notable for using this tactic is Media Matters, the radical leftist group (George Soros) whose sole purpose seems to be smearing Republicans and defending the left’s defective and destructive policies. Posted this statement: “Right-Wing Ass Weasel John Fund Doesn’t Like Universal Voter Registration because of ACORN.” Media Matters, [Rules for Radicals #5,#11,#13] George Soros in trying to abolish democratic judicial elections across America and to adopt “merit selection” systems that put lawyers in charge of choosing judges. But his influence in American politics doesn’t stop there. Soros and other prominent Democrats are also working to influence the conduct (and therefore the outcome) of elections under the guise of something called the “Secretary of State Project.” American Courthouse [...]
[...] I’ve written previously (e.g., here and here), the SOS Project is funded by liberal luminaries such as George Soros and Norman Lear. [...]