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| Date: | July 25, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| We need to hold our elected officials accountable |
On July 20th, the Committee on Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans held a hearing to discuss Attorney General Lori Swanson’s and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie’s recent actions surrounding the constitutional amendment questions that will be submitted to the people of Minnesota this fall. Several members had questions about their failure to defend the State in the legal challenges filed by opponents as well as the Secretary of State's questionable campaign against the Voter ID ballot question. Neither chose to attend the hearing. I have grave concerns about two statewide office holders refusing to appear in a public forum. The public deserves answers to their recent conduct.
Why have Secretary Ritchie and Attorney General Swanson refused to defend Minnesota?
Opponents of Voter ID requirements filed a lawsuit in an attempt to prevent the question passed by the Legislature from appearing on the ballot. As the chief elections official, Secretary Ritchie was sued in his official capacity and has the duty to defend the State of Minnesota. Attorney General Swanson has the duty to act as the attorney for state officials like Mr. Ritchie. Yet, their only action in this matter was to submit letters to the Court stating they will not participate. This was especially egregious when the Supreme Court openly questioned the absence of these parties during oral arguments. While I realize that both Mr. Ritchie and Ms. Swanson, as active members of the DFL Party do not support the Voter ID Amendment, personal opinion as to the wisdom of the amendment does not justify their failure to fulfill the official duties of office.
Is Secretary Ritchie using public funds to campaign against Voter ID?
Secretary Ritchie once wrote that he has a duty “not to take a side” on ballot questions proposed by the Legislature. Unfortunately, Minnesota’s chief election official is picking and choosing his duty when it comes to submitting questions to citizens of this state. Through five Senate hearings and two floor debates, Mr. Ritchie was a vocal opponent of the amendment. His adamant opposition continues today in trips across the state. The questions we had prepared for Mr. Ritchie included:
• Is it a proper function of the Office of the Secretary of State to oppose Voter ID?
• Is the information Mr. Ritchie is providing accurate and unbiased?
• How much has Mr. Ritchie billed taxpayers for his travel, meals, motel and related expenses?
• Is Mr. Ritchie operating in violation of campaign finance law?
• Is Mr. Ritchie improperly using public funds?
Unfortunately, neither the State Government Committee nor the public currently have answers to these questions because Secretary Ritchie refused to attend the hearing.
I will continue my efforts to get answers from Mr. Ritchie and Ms. Swanson. I also encourage you, the voters, to contact our Secretary of State and Attorney General and demand they carry out the duties and let the citizens vote on Voter ID.
