Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The Purge Continues!

What's next, a GOP voter poll tax?

Voters planning to vote in Virginia's Republican presidential primary will be required to sign an oath swearing their Republican loyalty, the AP reports.

"The State Board of Elections on Monday approved a state Republican Party request to require all who apply for a GOP primary ballot first vow in writing that they'll vote for the party's presidential nominee next fall... Virginia doesn't require voters to register by party, and for years the state's Republicans have fretted that Democrats might meddle in their open primaries."

Caveat: "There's no practical way to enforce the oath."


Obviously, enforcement is difficult, but that's not really what the issue is here. What's conceivably at stake is the number of voters who feel a loyalty oath is off putting enough to dissuade them from voting for Republicans in this specific election or any other in the future.

In other words, the GOP is disenfranchising its own potential voters.

MORE: It just occurred to me that this is the kind of dick move the party would use to keep Ron Paul voters away from the primaries.

So the Virginia GOP is giving a big Fuck You to independents, libertarians, and pretty much anyone else who isn't going to vote for James Gilmore and Rudy Giuliani. Way to build the party, assholes ...

EVEN MORE: From the Roanoke Times:

The Republican Party of Virginia has no interest in thoughtful voters. It only wants mindless party loyalists who will vote Republican no matter what.


If you believe in Southern gentility -- and even if you don't, but are a fan basic reason, ethics and personal responsibility: just read it.

MORE STILL: See what I mean?

[via Salon]

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