Experts and former DOJ attorney available to discuss voting rights, the myth of voter fraud, and Bradley Schlozman’s tenure at DOJ

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings investigating the controversy surrounding the replacement of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. Former U.S. Attorney Todd Graves was forced out of his position in March 2006, and replaced by Bush loyalist Bradley Schlozman.

Before being appointed interim U.S. Attorney (thereby bypassing Senate confirmation) Schlozman was the head of the DOJ’s civil rights division, where he was roundly criticized for politicizing the department at the expense of voting rights for poor and minority citizens. Schlozman provided DOJ approval for Tom Delay’s redistricting campaign in Texas and a controversial voter ID law in Georgia, in both cases over the objections of career attorneys who argued the programs violated the Voting Rights Act.

People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation have experts available to discuss a variety of voting rights related issues.

• David Becker is Director of PFAW/PFAW Foundation’s Democracy Campaign. Prior to coming to PFAW, he worked in the Voting Rights Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for seven years, including several years with Bradley Schlozman.

• Ruth Martin is PFAW and PFAW Foundation’s Deputy Field Director and an expert on state Voter ID requirements. On behalf of PFAW, she has worked to prevent voter ID requirements in states including Ohio, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.

To arrange an interview, please contact Drew Courtney or Josh Glasstetter at [email protected] or (202) 467-4999.