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They are rather long, and amount to nothing:
senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov Add to Address Book To: Subject: Re: We need to challenge the election Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 13:10:05 -0500 December 21, 2004 Dear:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your concerns about the outcome of the 2004 Presidential election. I value the input I get from people back home in Wisconsin, and would like to take this opportunity to address your concerns.
As you know, the 2004 Presidential election brought forth candidates that demonstrated the vitality of the American system of government and of the American people. The experience and wealth of knowledge that each candidate brought into the race made it one of great competitiveness. This year's Presidential race presented the voters with a real choice on the issues. From taxes to prescription drugs, education to homeland security, there were vivid differences among the candidates. Over the past months, Wisconsin residents heard first hand from both major Presidential candidates. Reaching record numbers, 73 percent of eligible voters in Wisconsin voted in this election. Presidential candidate Senator John Kerry's campaign efforts paved the way for a popular vote victory in Wisconsin.
The 2000 presidential election raised several concerns about current voting technologies and continued uncertainty through the 2004 presidential election. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 and other legislation helps ensure that every citizen has an opportunity to vote and to have that vote counted. I understand your dissatisfaction with the results of the 2004 election and with recent publicized claims of voter disenfranchisement and voter fraud. The Government Accountability Office is investigating many of these claims and additional inquiries into voter fraud and other technological malfunctions are underway in some states. Although some of these investigations are pending, there are not enough contested votes to alter the final outcome of the 2004 Presidential election.
President Bush and his party have set forth a broad new agenda with many specific goals and proposals. I agree with them on some parts of this agenda and disagree with others. When we agree, I will work to pursue our common vision for the country. When we disagree, I believe it is part of the healthy democratic debate that allows our nation to move ahead - sometimes slowly - but always in a manner that takes the interests of all Americans into account. Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Please feel free to contact me should you have any other concerns you wish to discuss. Sincerely, Herb Kohl U.S. Senator
December 21, 2004
Dear :
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about voter fraud. I appreciate your taking the time to let me know your views on this important issue.
I understand you support safeguarding the election process so that we do not encounter any serious issues in counting votes and in preventing fraud. While the U.S. Congress has little role in determining how states design their specific election rules or laws, Congress has passed legislation in order to help improve the process for all states. As you might know, I supported the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2001. The 2000 Presidential election brought immediate attention to the need for updating voting equipment, maintaining valid voter lists, and making it easier for military and overseas citizens to vote. On December 12, 2001, the House of Representatives passed HAVA in hopes of resolving some of these problems. This legislation has significantly improved our election system by requiring states to adopt stronger election standards such as in-precinct provisional voting. It also has encouraged maintenance of accurate voter registration records and supported efforts to provide better access to voters with disabilities. President Bush signed the bill into law on October 29, 2002.
This legislation authorized $2.65 billion in federal assistance for election reform. These funds are being used to help each state improve voting equipment, enhance access for disabled voters, recruit and train poll workers, educate voters about their rights, and ensure that absent uniformed and overseas voters have their votes properly counted.
Through this authorization, $400 million is going to help states replace outdated and unreliable punch card voting systems. The remaining $2.25 billion is being allocated in election fund payments to each state. Despite the presence, this bill does not federalize the voting system. States still have flexibility in determining how to meet voting standards. Unlike alternative bills, this bill allows states to continue to determine the way in which they will meet these standards. Under this legislation, Wisconsin will receive approximately $42 million between 2003 and 2006.
While we make efforts to protect the election process, I believe that we must also make sure everyone's vote counts. This is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 4187, the Know Your Vote Counts Act of 2004. Introduced by Representative Steve King on April 21, 2004, this bill would require a voter-verified paper record. It also would allow for voluntary voting system guidelines to include guidelines for ensuring security of electronic data. It is currently pending in the House Committee on House Administration.
Thank you again for contacting me on this issue. If I can be of further assistance to you regarding this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to respond and be of service to you. Sincerely,
Paul Ryan Serving Wisconsin's 1st District
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