It's Why We Call Them "Rethugs," Cont'd.

We've noted in the past that Rethuglicans are known for their attempts to suppress minority votes. From fake leaflets telling voters they can vote after election day, spreading false information about documentation needed, to actual physical intimidation at the polling sites, this has been a Rethug stock in trade for many years. Suppression of Democratic-leaning minority and youth votes is clearly behind Rethug efforts nationally to require State (not student) IDs or to limit early voting. Many minority citizens rely on public transportation and do not have driver's licenses.

In Maryland, the State Prosecutor has won indictments from a grand jury that charge two Rethug officials working for "Beatle Bob" Erlich's unsuccessful campaign for Governor in 2010 with attempting to suppress the black vote. The two are charged with authorizing a robocall to thousands of black voters on election day saying, in essence, "don't worry, stay home, the election's over, we're way ahead" long before polls closed.

This is the essence of Rethuglican political strategy, from Murray Chotiner to Lee Atwater to Karl Rove. Deny citizens their right to vote to ensure your hold on power.