Chair Yvette Lewis Praises O’Malley and Democratic Assembly Leadership in Expanding Voting Access
ANNAPOLIS (April 8, 2013) – Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis issued the following statement after the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation improving voting access for Marylanders.
“The Maryland Democratic Party is proud to support any and all efforts that increase the ability of our citizens to vote. The only response to the growing popularity of early voting is making accommodations so the citizens of Maryland can exercise their right to vote in convenient and accessible ways. I am especially pleased that this legislation includes same-day voter registration during the early voting period. These increased opportunities will expand voter participation, something Maryland Democrats believe is always a good thing for our democracy.
“Republicans across the country have made efforts to limit voter turnout by enacting restrictive voter ID laws and restricting voter registration. The citizens of Maryland are fortunate the Democratic leadership in Maryland has always been on the side of more voting, not less.”
CHAIR YVETTE LEWIS RESPONDS TO THE MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY AND ANDY HARRIS SPENDING RESOURCES ON LOSING EFFORT IN NONPARTISAN RACE
Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis issued the following statement in response to the Maryland Republican Party expenditures on the nonpartisan Salisbury City election.
“Last night, the Maryland Republican Party’s extreme right agenda was again turned away at the polls. Despite the City of Salisbury conducting nonpartisan elections, the Maryland Republican Party paid for both a mailer and a robocall featuring Congressman Andy Harris attacking the widely popular Mayor of Salisbury Jim Ireton. Mayor Ireton was re-elected yesterday by over 35 points.
“Mayor Ireton has worked hard to lower violent crime in Salisbury by over 40%, begun the work of cleaning the Wicomico River, and increased the number of people living and working downtown. Undeterred by this progress, the MDGOP decided to devote resources to attacking Mayor Ireton. This continues the recent trend of the Maryland Republican Party making head scratching decisions with their limited resources, including their recent devotion to spending on staff and travel to shadow Governor O’Malley.
“The Maryland Republican Party and its lone Congressman Andy Harris refuse to be a partner in moving Maryland forward. The far-right MDGOP has never been more out of touch with Marylanders than it is now.”
Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis issued the following statement in response to Congressman Andy Harris voting against the Violence Against Women Act.
“Today, by voting against the Violence Against Women Act, Congressman Andy Harris decided to continue his trend of voting against bipartisan legislation that would help people in the 1st Congressional District and Maryland.
“87 House Republicans voted for this legislation; which is a reauthorization of vital support for organizations that serve victims of domestic violence. But Andy Harris remains committed to his far-right, out of touch positions and refuses to put the needs of his constituents first.”
