thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--Divided government has its virtues

Divided government has its virtues

Joe Biden is likely going to be our next president .
We can ’ t be certain until January , but the current standings favor a narrow Republican majority in the Senate .
It looks like House Democrats have held on to their majority but by a smaller margin than before .
Considering the current political environment , a divided government has its virtues .
Liberals , especially the most strident and revolutionary among them , would almost certainly reject this premise outright .
Their standing mandate is to use the power of the government to expand its reach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservatives ultimately want in principle is protection from just that .
A unified Republican government is the most reliable means of self-protection , but a divided government of the sort we are facing will do as a decent alternative .
For either party , the desirability of a unified government is self-evident .
Had Democrats conquered all , they would have the field to begin enacting significant climate change legislation , raising taxes , and to entertain , if not actually enact , an expanded Supreme Court .
Biden will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s power is ever increasing — but a divided government won ’ t allow for nearly as much change as a Democratic government would .
Had Republicans swept Congress and won the presidency , they would have had another chance at repealing Obamacare .
The national posture toward the coronavirus would have continued to emphasize a balanced approach to mitigation , and a national lockdown strategy would have remained off the table .
More judges , fewer taxes , fewer regulations — a divided government won ’ t allow for much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a hedge against the Democratic coalition ’ s most fanciful wishes .
The conservative theorist Russell Kirk is indispensable here .
`` Change and reform are not identical , '' he wrote .
`` Innovation is a devouring conflagration more often than it is a torch for progress . ''
The Democratic coalition 's posture on the court and other matters of policy is one of fundamental change .
A divided government will protect against that .

Joe Biden is likely going to be our next president. We can’t be certain until January, but the current standings favor a narrow Republican majority in the Senate. It looks like House Democrats have held on to their majority but by a smaller margin than before.
Considering the current political environment, a divided government has its virtues.
Liberals, especially the most strident and revolutionary among them, would almost certainly reject this premise outright. Their standing mandate is to use the power of the government to expand its reach.
It is a generalization, but what conservatives ultimately want in principle is protection from just that. A unified Republican government is the most reliable means of self-protection, but a divided government of the sort we are facing will do as a decent alternative.
For either party, the desirability of a unified government is self-evident. Had Democrats conquered all, they would have the field to begin enacting significant climate change legislation, raising taxes, and to entertain, if not actually enact, an expanded Supreme Court. Biden will be able to do a lot by himself — the president’s power is ever increasing — but a divided government won’t allow for nearly as much change as a Democratic government would.
Had Republicans swept Congress and won the presidency, they would have had another chance at repealing Obamacare. The national posture toward the coronavirus would have continued to emphasize a balanced approach to mitigation, and a national lockdown strategy would have remained off the table. More judges, fewer taxes, fewer regulations — a divided government won’t allow for much of that, either. But it will be a hedge against the Democratic coalition’s most fanciful wishes.
The conservative theorist Russell Kirk is indispensable here. "Change and reform are not identical," he wrote. "Innovation is a devouring conflagration more often than it is a torch for progress." The Democratic coalition's posture on the court and other matters of policy is one of fundamental change. A divided government will protect against that.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--DNC denies GOP claims of Nevada voter fraud as judge sets emergency Friday hearing

The Democratic National Committee denied Republican claims of voter fraud in Nevada on Friday as a federal judge set an expedited hearing for later in the afternoon while former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Trump in a battleground state that remains too close to call .
Republicans sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department on Thursday , seeking an investigation into alleged voter fraud in Nevada , a state Trump needs to win in order to have a chance at a second term .
The Nevada Republican Party announced on Thursday that lawyers reached out to Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Silver State .
`` Our lawyers just sent a criminal referral to AG Barr regarding at least 3,062 instances of voter fraud .
We expect that number to grow substantially .
Thousands of individuals have been identified who appear to have violated the law by casting ballots after they moved from NV , '' the Nevada GOP said in a tweet .
A DOJ official told the Washington Examiner on Thursday evening that the agency received the criminal referral and was looking into the matter .
“ Now , with nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having already been counted , a group of plaintiffs backed by President Trump ’ s campaign has filed a lawsuit requesting a remedy that would meaningfully slow Clark County ’ s ballot processing just as its votes could swing the presidential election , ” Democratic lawyers from Perkins Coie said in response on Friday .
“ The Democratic National Committee and Nevada State Democratic Party plainly have a significantly protectable interest in this case … Two days after the election and after the canvass is well under way , two individual voters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging Clark County ’ s election procedures .
Plaintiffs ’ claims are too late , rife with procedural deficiencies , and meritless.
” Republican candidates for Congress in Nevada filed a late Thursday complaint with the U.S. District Court of Nevada against Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske , alleging the use of a flawed signature verification system , the denial of access to vote-count observation , and voter fraud .
“ Irregularities have plagued the election in Clark County , including lax procedures for authenticating mail ballots and over 3,000 instances of ineligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been cast on behalf of deceased voters .
Moreover , the public has often been prohibited from observing the processing of mail ballots , resulting in much of their work being done in the shadows without public accountability , ” the lawsuit said .
The DNC said that it “ den [ ies ] the allegations.
” Judge Andrew Gordon , an Obama nominee , said Friday that “ IT IS ORDERED that the plaintiffs ' motion to expedite hearing and briefing is GRANTED ” and that a hearing on the GOP motion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preliminary injunction is set for a phone hearing Friday at 5 p.m. EST .
The GOP-compiled list of 3,062 unnamed Nevada voters who had allegedly moved out of the state , which was first obtained by the Nevada Independent , included at least 146 of the unnamed people who appear to have moved to military-related locations , with the “ move to city ” showing APO , FPO , AFB , or JB — Army Post Office , Fleet Post Office , Air Force Base , and Joint Base , respectively .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their address to a DPO , or Diplomatic Post Office .
The “ move to state ” for those people is listed as AP and AE — meaning the U.S. armed forces in the Pacific and in Europe , respectively .
The complaint said that Republicans were asking for “ an Injunction directing Defendants and their officers , agents , employees , attorneys , and any other person acting under their direction or control to cease the use of the Agilis system to count ballots in Clark County ” as well as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , agents , employees and any other person acting under their direction or control to allow meaningful access to the ballot counting process.
” The Nevada Supreme Court previously allowed Clark County to continue with its mail-in ballot vote-counting process in a Tuesday ruling .
Earlier Thursday , Trump 's campaign announced plans to file a lawsuit alleging that there were at least 10,000 ballots cast in Nevada by voters who do not live in the state .
In a letter to Barr shared on Twitter by Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We write to bring to your attention criminal voter fraud in the State of Nevada in the 2020 general election .
Specifically , we have initially identified 3,062 individuals who appear to have improperly cast mail ballots in the election.
” They `` verified '' the claims of alleged voter fraud by `` cross-referencing the names and address of voters with the National Change of Address database . ''
The letter was penned by lawyer Shana Weir as well as by Jesse Binnall , one of the lawyers defending retired Lt. Gen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A separate letter from the lawyers was sent to Mary-Anne Miller , an attorney for Clark County , Nevada , which includes Las Vegas , outlining their findings and accusing Clark County Registrar Joe Gloria of `` inaction '' on cleaning voter rolls that the lawyers said had led to `` material adverse consequences on our election security . ''
Gloria ’ s office did n't respond to the Washington Examiner ’ s request for comment , but Miller said in a short email that `` we will be taking a look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of these votes are military families or individuals who have extended plans away from Nevada but still maintain their legal residence in Nevada , which qualifies them for voting . ''
Gloria told reporters Thursday morning that “ we are not aware of any improper ballots that are being processed . ''
When asked if he had been shown the voter fraud evidence that Republicans have alleged , Gloria said , “ Not directly that I ’ m aware of ... What I can tell you is that we ’ re firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re processing ballots with high integrity in the state of Nevada . ''
Adam Laxalt , a Republican who formerly was Nevada 's attorney general , alleged extensive voter fraud .
“ We firmly believe that there are many voters in this group of mail-in people who are not proper voters , ” Laxalt said during a press conference in Las Vegas earlier in the day .
“ In the last many days , we have received reports of many irregularities across the valley .
We believe that there are dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also confident that there are thousands of people whose votes have been counted that have moved out of Clark County during the pandemic.
” DOJ spokeswoman Kerri Kupec told the Washington Examiner earlier on Thursday that “ the Department of Justice pursues all actionable information it receives and , as is always the case , encourages anyone who suspects a federal crime to report it to their local FBI field office.
” The Nevada State Democratic Party reacted to the threat of legal action by casting the Republicans as desperate .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump campaign .
As the voices of Nevadans are finally heard , Trump and the Nevada GOP have no other recourse than scare tactics and baseless suits , '' Nevada State Democratic Party Chairman William McCurdy II said .

The Democratic National Committee denied Republican claims of voter fraud in Nevada on Friday as a federal judge set an expedited hearing for later in the afternoon while former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Trump in a battleground state that remains too close to call.
Republicans sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department on Thursday, seeking an investigation into alleged voter fraud in Nevada, a state Trump needs to win in order to have a chance at a second term. The Nevada Republican Party announced on Thursday that lawyers reached out to Attorney General William Barr with vote counting still underway in the Silver State.
"Our lawyers just sent a criminal referral to AG Barr regarding at least 3,062 instances of voter fraud. We expect that number to grow substantially. Thousands of individuals have been identified who appear to have violated the law by casting ballots after they moved from NV," the Nevada GOP said in a tweet.
A DOJ official told the Washington Examiner on Thursday evening that the agency received the criminal referral and was looking into the matter.
“Now, with nearly all of the votes in the state having already been counted, a group of plaintiffs backed by President Trump’s campaign has filed a lawsuit requesting a remedy that would meaningfully slow Clark County’s ballot processing just as its votes could swing the presidential election,” Democratic lawyers from Perkins Coie said in response on Friday. “The Democratic National Committee and Nevada State Democratic Party plainly have a significantly protectable interest in this case … Two days after the election and after the canvass is well under way, two individual voters and two Republican congressional campaigns filed this lawsuit challenging Clark County’s election procedures. Plaintiffs’ claims are too late, rife with procedural deficiencies, and meritless.”
Republican candidates for Congress in Nevada filed a late Thursday complaint with the U.S. District Court of Nevada against Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, alleging the use of a flawed signature verification system, the denial of access to vote-count observation, and voter fraud.
“Irregularities have plagued the election in Clark County, including lax procedures for authenticating mail ballots and over 3,000 instances of ineligible individuals casting ballots. Ballots have even been cast on behalf of deceased voters. Moreover, the public has often been prohibited from observing the processing of mail ballots, resulting in much of their work being done in the shadows without public accountability,” the lawsuit said.
The DNC said that it “den[ies] the allegations.”
Judge Andrew Gordon, an Obama nominee, said Friday that “IT IS ORDERED that the plaintiffs' motion to expedite hearing and briefing is GRANTED” and that a hearing on the GOP motion for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction is set for a phone hearing Friday at 5 p.m. EST.
The GOP-compiled list of 3,062 unnamed Nevada voters who had allegedly moved out of the state, which was first obtained by the Nevada Independent, included at least 146 of the unnamed people who appear to have moved to military-related locations, with the “move to city” showing APO, FPO, AFB, or JB — Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, Air Force Base, and Joint Base, respectively. Another 16 of the unnamed people had switched their address to a DPO, or Diplomatic Post Office. The “move to state” for those people is listed as AP and AE — meaning the U.S. armed forces in the Pacific and in Europe, respectively.
The complaint said that Republicans were asking for “an Injunction directing Defendants and their officers, agents, employees, attorneys, and any other person acting under their direction or control to cease the use of the Agilis system to count ballots in Clark County” as well as “injunctive relief directing Defendants and their officers, agents, employees and any other person acting under their direction or control to allow meaningful access to the ballot counting process.”
The Nevada Supreme Court previously allowed Clark County to continue with its mail-in ballot vote-counting process in a Tuesday ruling.
Earlier Thursday, Trump's campaign announced plans to file a lawsuit alleging that there were at least 10,000 ballots cast in Nevada by voters who do not live in the state.
In a letter to Barr shared on Twitter by Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh, lawyers for Trump's campaign said, “We write to bring to your attention criminal voter fraud in the State of Nevada in the 2020 general election. Specifically, we have initially identified 3,062 individuals who appear to have improperly cast mail ballots in the election.” They "verified" the claims of alleged voter fraud by "cross-referencing the names and address of voters with the National Change of Address database." The letter was penned by lawyer Shana Weir as well as by Jesse Binnall, one of the lawyers defending retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn in his criminal case.
A separate letter from the lawyers was sent to Mary-Anne Miller, an attorney for Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, outlining their findings and accusing Clark County Registrar Joe Gloria of "inaction" on cleaning voter rolls that the lawyers said had led to "material adverse consequences on our election security." Gloria’s office didn't respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment, but Miller said in a short email that "we will be taking a look at this, but it is likely that most of these votes are military families or individuals who have extended plans away from Nevada but still maintain their legal residence in Nevada, which qualifies them for voting."
Gloria told reporters Thursday morning that “we are not aware of any improper ballots that are being processed." When asked if he had been shown the voter fraud evidence that Republicans have alleged, Gloria said, “Not directly that I’m aware of ... What I can tell you is that we’re firm in our commitment to making sure that we’re processing ballots with high integrity in the state of Nevada."
Adam Laxalt, a Republican who formerly was Nevada's attorney general, alleged extensive voter fraud.
“We firmly believe that there are many voters in this group of mail-in people who are not proper voters,” Laxalt said during a press conference in Las Vegas earlier in the day. “In the last many days, we have received reports of many irregularities across the valley. We believe that there are dead voters that have been counted. We are also confident that there are thousands of people whose votes have been counted that have moved out of Clark County during the pandemic.”
DOJ spokeswoman Kerri Kupec told the Washington Examiner earlier on Thursday that “the Department of Justice pursues all actionable information it receives and, as is always the case, encourages anyone who suspects a federal crime to report it to their local FBI field office.”
The Nevada State Democratic Party reacted to the threat of legal action by casting the Republicans as desperate.
“The writing is on the wall for the Trump campaign. As the voices of Nevadans are finally heard, Trump and the Nevada GOP have no other recourse than scare tactics and baseless suits," Nevada State Democratic Party Chairman William McCurdy II said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--Trump vows to continue legal battle

Trump vows to continue legal battle

President Trump on Friday said that he would continue to pursue a legal challenge to the vote count , asserting `` all legal ballots must be counted '' as the race moves to favor Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Trump 's vow comes even as he has lost purchase with some Republican officials as he alleges rampant fraud and calls to halt vote counts across the country .
“ We believe the American people deserve to have full transparency into all vote counting and election certification , and that this is no longer about any single election .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process , '' Trump said in a statement issued by his reelection campaign .
`` From the beginning , we have said that all legal ballots must be counted and all illegal ballots should not be counted , yet we have met resistance to this basic principle by Democrats at every turn . ''
He continued , `` We will pursue this process through every aspect of the law to guarantee that the American people have confidence in our government .
I will never give up fighting for you and our nation.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the nation on Friday .
The Trump campaign has filed a slew of lawsuits in battleground states where the vote count is tightly contested .
Friday is the last day that absentee and mail-in ballots in Georgia may be counted , but other states have until Thursday .
Senior campaign officials told reporters on Thursday that the fight to count all `` legal '' ballots was still on .
A citizen `` hotline '' to report allegations of vote fraud or abuse was relaunched , along with a website .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's son , called on witnesses to document their claims .
“ HELP STOP VOTER SUPPRESSION , IRREGULARITIES AND FRAUD , ” read a graphic shared in a midday tweet by Eric Trump .
“ TELL US WHAT YOU ARE SEEING.
” An earlier tweet , that has since been deleted , shared a phone number that played Trump campaign speeches on a continuous loop , the New York Post reported .
`` The only one who can stop this corrupt machine is you , ” the recording said , after discussing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trump campaign officials and the older Trump 's children are making the case that voting irregularities in key counties may have cost the president reelection .
Thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Philadelphia , Nevada , Georgia , and other states with tightly contested counts .

President Trump on Friday said that he would continue to pursue a legal challenge to the vote count, asserting "all legal ballots must be counted" as the race moves to favor Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Trump's vow comes even as he has lost purchase with some Republican officials as he alleges rampant fraud and calls to halt vote counts across the country.
“We believe the American people deserve to have full transparency into all vote counting and election certification, and that this is no longer about any single election. This is about the integrity of our entire election process," Trump said in a statement issued by his reelection campaign. "From the beginning, we have said that all legal ballots must be counted and all illegal ballots should not be counted, yet we have met resistance to this basic principle by Democrats at every turn."
He continued, "We will pursue this process through every aspect of the law to guarantee that the American people have confidence in our government. I will never give up fighting for you and our nation.”
Biden is expected to deliver an address to the nation on Friday.
The Trump campaign has filed a slew of lawsuits in battleground states where the vote count is tightly contested. Friday is the last day that absentee and mail-in ballots in Georgia may be counted, but other states have until Thursday.
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
Senior campaign officials told reporters on Thursday that the fight to count all "legal" ballots was still on. A citizen "hotline" to report allegations of vote fraud or abuse was relaunched, along with a website.
In a tweet, Eric Trump, the president's son, called on witnesses to document their claims.
“HELP STOP VOTER SUPPRESSION, IRREGULARITIES AND FRAUD,” read a graphic shared in a midday tweet by Eric Trump. “TELL US WHAT YOU ARE SEEING.”
An earlier tweet, that has since been deleted, shared a phone number that played Trump campaign speeches on a continuous loop, the New York Post reported.
"The only one who can stop this corrupt machine is you,” the recording said, after discussing at length Hillary Clinton's emails.
Republican and Trump campaign officials and the older Trump's children are making the case that voting irregularities in key counties may have cost the president reelection.
Thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Philadelphia, Nevada, Georgia, and other states with tightly contested counts.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--Keith Olbermann calls for the arrests of Trump and Tucker Carlson

Political commentator Keith Olbermann has called for the arrests of both President Trump and Fox News host Tucker Carlson .
“ It is necessary to remove , and arrest , the president of the United States , ” Olbermann tweeted Wednesday night .
“ Tonight.
” Later in the night , Olbermann called for the arrest of Carlson before deleting the tweet .
“ Again , this is an overt and unmistakable call for widespread violence and requires the arrest of @ TuckerCarlson , ” he tweeted in response to a tweet suggesting that Carlson had incited violence .
Olbermann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed “ tonight.
” Olbermann ’ s call for the arrest of Trump and Carlson comes days after for a tweet likening the president to an African slave .
A winner has not been declared in Tuesday ’ s presidential election as votes are still being counted and contested in key battleground states , including Nevada , Arizona , Pennsylvania , and Georgia .
Trump has pledged to keep fighting for election “ transparency ” as former Vice President Joe Biden of the 270-vote threshold in the Electoral College needed to win the @ @

Political commentator Keith Olbermann has called for the arrests of both President Trump and Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
“It is necessary to remove, and arrest, the president of the United States,” Olbermann tweeted Wednesday night. “Tonight.”
It is necessary to remove, and arrest, the president of the United States. Tonight. — Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 6, 2020
Later in the night, Olbermann called for the arrest of Carlson before deleting the tweet.
“Again, this is an overt and unmistakable call for widespread violence and requires the arrest of @TuckerCarlson,” he tweeted in response to a tweet suggesting that Carlson had incited violence.
Olbermann added later that the president must be removed “tonight.”
TRUMP HAS LOST HIS MIND AND MUST BE REMOVED, TONIGHT. The coup attempt, we can survive. A mentally incompetent president, we may not. Instead, he will stay, and when he concedes he will simultaneously begin a campaign for 2024.
Full video: https://t.co/pCaCgZdkbr
Brief version: pic.twitter.com/dMD49byfZn — Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 6, 2020
Olbermann’s call for the arrest of Trump and Carlson comes days after deleting and apologizing for a tweet likening the president to an African slave.
A winner has not been declared in Tuesday’s presidential election as votes are still being counted and contested in key battleground states, including Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
Trump has pledged to keep fighting for election “transparency” as former Vice President Joe Biden sits on the cusp of the 270-vote threshold in the Electoral College needed to win the presidency.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--Philadelphia mayor calls on Trump to drop out even as vote count continues

PHILADELPHIA — All the votes may not have been counted , but the mayor has seen enough .
At a Friday news conference , Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney , a Democrat , attacked President Trump 's accusations of election fraud in the city and said he `` needs to ... frankly , put his big boy pants on . ''
“ He needs to acknowledge the fact that he lost , and he needs to congratulate the winner , '' Kenney said .
Thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Philadelphia , and Kenney 's statement suggests to election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the result is a done deal , even as Trump vows to challenge it .
Officials in the state have yet to give a definitive timeline of when they expect the process to conclude .
The president 's campaign has filed several lawsuits asking for a pause to the count , alleging `` irregularities '' by poll workers .
Kenney went on to say that the ballot voting process in the city is operating smoothly and asked the public to remain patient .
“ What we have seen here in Philadelphia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Other city officials , such as City Commissioner Omar Sabir , defended the integrity of the vote-counting process and pushed back against allegations of fraud .
“ Ignore a lot of the noise that ’ s going on , ” he said after the mayor 's remarks .
“ Allow us to complete the counting process.
” '' From the beginning , we have said that all legal ballots must be counted and all illegal ballots should not be counted , yet we have met resistance to this basic principle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said in a statement Friday .
`` We will pursue this process through every aspect of the law to guarantee that the American people have confidence in our government .
I will never give up fighting for you and our nation.
” As of Friday afternoon , former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden held a 5,500-vote lead over Trump in Pennsylvania .

PHILADELPHIA — All the votes may not have been counted, but the mayor has seen enough.
At a Friday news conference, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat, attacked President Trump's accusations of election fraud in the city and said he "needs to ... frankly, put his big boy pants on."
“He needs to acknowledge the fact that he lost, and he needs to congratulate the winner," Kenney said.
Thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Philadelphia, and Kenney's statement suggests to election workers that the count no longer matters and the result is a done deal, even as Trump vows to challenge it.
Officials in the state have yet to give a definitive timeline of when they expect the process to conclude. The president's campaign has filed several lawsuits asking for a pause to the count, alleging "irregularities" by poll workers.
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
Kenney went on to say that the ballot voting process in the city is operating smoothly and asked the public to remain patient.
“What we have seen here in Philadelphia is democracy, pure and simple,” he said.
Other city officials, such as City Commissioner Omar Sabir, defended the integrity of the vote-counting process and pushed back against allegations of fraud.
“Ignore a lot of the noise that’s going on,” he said after the mayor's remarks. “Allow us to complete the counting process.”
"From the beginning, we have said that all legal ballots must be counted and all illegal ballots should not be counted, yet we have met resistance to this basic principle by Democrats at every turn," Trump said in a statement Friday. "We will pursue this process through every aspect of the law to guarantee that the American people have confidence in our government. I will never give up fighting for you and our nation.”
As of Friday afternoon, former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden held a 5,500-vote lead over Trump in Pennsylvania.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--Tensions in Philadelphia simmer as Trump mounts legal challenges

PHILADELPHIA — As election workers continue counting ballots amid challenges from President Trump 's legal team , locals are preparing for yet another wave of looting and destruction to take over the city streets .
Concerns about violence in Philadelphia have increased in the last 24 hours , as supporters of President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden faced off well into the night on Thursday .
In the midst of those demonstrations , police detained two men allegedly plotting to attack officials counting ballots in the city 's convention center .
Although it is unclear whether charges will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said they found several unauthorized firearms in their vehicle .
Photos from the scene show the car had a QAnon sticker , a reference to the right-wing conspiracy theory that posits Democrats and `` deep state '' officials are engaged in a global sex trafficking ring .
Prior to that incident , locals in the city braced for looting and vandalism .
Downtown , most businesses placed plywood over storefronts , and members of the National Guard patrolled numerous government buildings .
`` On Monday , my building burned , Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since then , '' said Hillary Jay , a 30-year Philadelphia resident .
`` More can happen here .
I mean , we 've seen it .
We saw it all summer .
I 'm just trying to be hopeful . ''
By Friday morning , votes for Biden in Pennsylvania had overtaken the president 's tally , giving many locals hope that tensions would soon deescalate as the Democratic presidential candidate 's victory appeared close .
Others remained skeptical that calm would prevail and pointed to Trump 's legal challenges over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race was far from over .
Trump and his allies have claimed that numerous unfair practices by Pennsylvania election officials have opened the process to fraud .
His campaign has demanded a pause on all ballot counting until GOP poll watchers can have appropriate access to election facilities .
`` There were many irregularities in Pennsylvania , including having election officials prevent our volunteer legal observers from having meaningful access to vote counting locations , '' Trump 2020 campaign general counsel Matt Morgan said in a statement Friday morning .
`` We prevailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deprived of valuable time and denied the transparency we are entitled to under state law . ''
Meanwhile , Biden remains confident that he will be president-elect as early as the end of the day Friday .
A spokesman for his campaign told the Washington Examiner that `` the United States government is perfectly capable of escorting trespassers out of the White House , '' referencing theories that Trump will simply refuse to leave his office in January 2021 .
The president 's claims of fraud , as well as the incident with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some in Philadelphia concerned that any election-related violence may come from the Right and Trump 's supporters .
`` I think people should have the right to , you know , express how they feel as long as it stays peaceful , '' said Melissa Gonzalez , a school psychologist in Philadelphia .
`` I 'm worried seeing some of the right-wing media and people on the internet encouraging violence .
But people have the right to express the way they feel , but I 'm definitely worried . ''
Unrest in Philadelphia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month , starting almost immediately after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis in late May and extending to the end of June .
The demonstrations resulted in hundreds of arrests and two deaths .
Private businesses and government facilities suffered millions of dollars in damages , according to early estimates by the state government .
On Oct. 31 , Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kennedy , a Democrat , requested that the state deploy the National Guard in the city for assistance with `` the current situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , demonstrations took place citywide following the police shooting of Walter Wallace , who was killed after approaching officers with a knife .
“ The exact locations are always subject to change .
We have high-ranking Pennsylvania National Guard officials here with us in the EOC , linked up , hand-in-hand with the police department to make sure they are entirely focused on safety , law enforcement and the police department ’ s mission , ” said Adam Thiel , the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management director .
“ They are working constantly @ @ @ @ @ @

PHILADELPHIA — As election workers continue counting ballots amid challenges from President Trump's legal team, locals are preparing for yet another wave of looting and destruction to take over the city streets.
Concerns about violence in Philadelphia have increased in the last 24 hours, as supporters of President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden faced off well into the night on Thursday. In the midst of those demonstrations, police detained two men allegedly plotting to attack officials counting ballots in the city's convention center.
Although it is unclear whether charges will eventually be brought against the individuals, police said they found several unauthorized firearms in their vehicle. Photos from the scene show the car had a QAnon sticker, a reference to the right-wing conspiracy theory that posits Democrats and "deep state" officials are engaged in a global sex trafficking ring.
Prior to that incident, locals in the city braced for looting and vandalism. Downtown, most businesses placed plywood over storefronts, and members of the National Guard patrolled numerous government buildings.
"On Monday, my building burned, Monday morning. It's calmed down a lot since then," said Hillary Jay, a 30-year Philadelphia resident. "More can happen here. I mean, we've seen it. We saw it all summer. I'm just trying to be hopeful."
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
By Friday morning, votes for Biden in Pennsylvania had overtaken the president's tally, giving many locals hope that tensions would soon deescalate as the Democratic presidential candidate's victory appeared close. Others remained skeptical that calm would prevail and pointed to Trump's legal challenges over the counting of ballots as evidence that the race was far from over.
Trump and his allies have claimed that numerous unfair practices by Pennsylvania election officials have opened the process to fraud. His campaign has demanded a pause on all ballot counting until GOP poll watchers can have appropriate access to election facilities.
"There were many irregularities in Pennsylvania, including having election officials prevent our volunteer legal observers from having meaningful access to vote counting locations," Trump 2020 campaign general counsel Matt Morgan said in a statement Friday morning. "We prevailed in court on our challenge but were deprived of valuable time and denied the transparency we are entitled to under state law."
Meanwhile, Biden remains confident that he will be president-elect as early as the end of the day Friday. A spokesman for his campaign told the Washington Examiner that "the United States government is perfectly capable of escorting trespassers out of the White House," referencing theories that Trump will simply refuse to leave his office in January 2021.
The president's claims of fraud, as well as the incident with the QAnon believers on Thursday, have some in Philadelphia concerned that any election-related violence may come from the Right and Trump's supporters.
"I think people should have the right to, you know, express how they feel as long as it stays peaceful," said Melissa Gonzalez, a school psychologist in Philadelphia. "I'm worried seeing some of the right-wing media and people on the internet encouraging violence. But people have the right to express the way they feel, but I'm definitely worried."
Unrest in Philadelphia over the summer took place for nearly a month, starting almost immediately after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis in late May and extending to the end of June. The demonstrations resulted in hundreds of arrests and two deaths. Private businesses and government facilities suffered millions of dollars in damages, according to early estimates by the state government.
On Oct. 31, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kennedy, a Democrat, requested that the state deploy the National Guard in the city for assistance with "the current situation and election preparation."
In late October, demonstrations took place citywide following the police shooting of Walter Wallace, who was killed after approaching officers with a knife.
“The exact locations are always subject to change. We have high-ranking Pennsylvania National Guard officials here with us in the EOC, linked up, hand-in-hand with the police department to make sure they are entirely focused on safety, law enforcement and the police department’s mission,” said Adam Thiel, the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management director. “They are working constantly to manage that deployment.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--Reelected Utah attorney general says he will go on ‘personal leave’ to help Trump election legal bat

Reelected Utah attorney general says he will go on ‘personal leave’ to help Trump election legal battles

The recently reelected Republican attorney general in Utah announced that he will be taking a weekend off to help the Trump campaign fight election-related legal battles .
Sean Reyes , who was declared the victor over Salt Lake City defense attorney Greg Skordas on election night , announced on Friday that he 'll be on `` personal leave time to help prepare and support litigation in several states dealing with compromised election process . ''
`` Despite months of predictions about a 'blue wave , ' @ GOP kept the Senate & expanded seats in the House , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know [ President Trump ] will win if only verified , # legal votes are counted .
We are making sure that happens but looks like courts may have to decide that .
# RuleOfLaw . ''
Reyes did not specify how he 'll work with the Trump campaign or which lawsuit he 'll focus on primarily .
He later clarified that this would not be a leave of absence from his job .
`` To clarify a prior tweet , I am not taking a leave of absence from the AG ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal weekend to help review and advise on potential lawsuits related to ensuring all legal votes are counted , '' Reyes tweeted .
`` I certainly do not believe all votes in the 2020 election are fraudulent — many dedicated volunteers and officials across the nation , including in Utah , worked hard to ensure a fair process . ''
`` But , if even some actions in battleground states resulted in improper votes being counted or proper votes being rejected , that compromises the overall fairness of the electoral process and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
`` Some mistakes were likely made innocently .
Others appear very intentional .
But , in either case , we should carefully review and remedy any such irregularities .
For the sake of our nation and whomever wins this election , let ’ s make sure it is done fairly everywhere .
# RuleOfLaw . ''
The Trump campaign has filed lawsuits in states such as Georgia , Pennsylvania , and Nevada , and they have said they plan to seek a recount in Wisconsin , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small margin .
A recount is also likely in Georgia .
The Republican National Committee released a list of lawyers who will be heading up their legal teams in Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , and Pennsylvania early Friday morning .
Trump claims his opponents are trying to `` steal '' the election , claiming fraud is afoot .
Biden is on the precipice of reaching the 270-vote threshold in the Electoral College , though no major news outlet has yet to call the race .

The recently reelected Republican attorney general in Utah announced that he will be taking a weekend off to help the Trump campaign fight election-related legal battles.
Sean Reyes, who was declared the victor over Salt Lake City defense attorney Greg Skordas on election night, announced on Friday that he'll be on "personal leave time to help prepare and support litigation in several states dealing with compromised election process."
Despite months of predictions about a “blue wave,” @GOP kept the Senate & expanded seats in the House. Biden & his allies know @POTUS will win if only verified, #legal votes are counted. We are making sure that happens but looks like courts may have to decide that. #RuleOfLaw — Sean Reyes (@SeanReyesUT) November 6, 2020
"Despite months of predictions about a 'blue wave,' @GOP kept the Senate & expanded seats in the House," he claimed. "Biden & his allies know [President Trump] will win if only verified, #legal votes are counted. We are making sure that happens but looks like courts may have to decide that. #RuleOfLaw."
Reyes did not specify how he'll work with the Trump campaign or which lawsuit he'll focus on primarily. He later clarified that this would not be a leave of absence from his job.
"To clarify a prior tweet, I am not taking a leave of absence from the AG’s Office. I am taking a personal weekend to help review and advise on potential lawsuits related to ensuring all legal votes are counted," Reyes tweeted. "I certainly do not believe all votes in the 2020 election are fraudulent — many dedicated volunteers and officials across the nation, including in Utah, worked hard to ensure a fair process."
"But, if even some actions in battleground states resulted in improper votes being counted or proper votes being rejected, that compromises the overall fairness of the electoral process and can disenfranchise the votes of millions of Americans," he added. "Some mistakes were likely made innocently. Others appear very intentional. But, in either case, we should carefully review and remedy any such irregularities. For the sake of our nation and whomever wins this election, let’s make sure it is done fairly everywhere. #RuleOfLaw."
The Trump campaign has filed lawsuits in states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, and they have said they plan to seek a recount in Wisconsin, which was called for Democratic nominee Joe Biden by a small margin. A recount is also likely in Georgia.
The Republican National Committee released a list of lawyers who will be heading up their legal teams in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania early Friday morning. Trump claims his opponents are trying to "steal" the election, claiming fraud is afoot.
Biden is on the precipice of reaching the 270-vote threshold in the Electoral College, though no major news outlet has yet to call the race.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-07--'Republicans will never win another election': Matt Gaetz demands his party colleagues 'stand and fi

'Republicans will never win another election': Matt Gaetz demands his party colleagues 'stand and fight'

One of President Trump 's top Republican allies pleaded with members of his party to `` stand and fight '' alongside the president .
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz alleged a number of fraudulent voting tactics before calling on the Republican Party to back Trump or suffer the consequences in future elections .
`` President Trump is not just fighting for his own political fortune here — he 's fighting for the rest of us because if we allow dead people to vote , if we allow people who 've moved out of their state to vote in that state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted , and if we allow ballots to be counted without the transparency and observation that the law requires , Republicans will never win another election ever again , '' he told Fox News host Sean Hannity .
The Trump reelection campaign is eyeing lawsuits in a number of states where large batches of mail-in ballots contributed to the most votes cast ever recorded in a U.S. presidential election .
Gaetz called on state legislatures to perform audits on the voting rolls to provide transparency to an election that has featured consistent allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final stretch to Election Day .
`` There 's a difference between a recount and audit , '' Gaetz said .
`` Every state legislature seeing these irregularities should demand an audit , and they should not be willing to certify electors to the Electoral College until those audits have been completed . ''
Gaetz said he is prepared to take unprecedented steps , including making a stand in Congress to block the Electoral College vote from being confirmed .
“ A full audit is absolutely necessary , ” Gaetz added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the House of Representatives from stopping the Electoral College from being certified .
”

One of President Trump's top Republican allies pleaded with members of his party to "stand and fight" alongside the president.
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz alleged a number of fraudulent voting tactics before calling on the Republican Party to back Trump or suffer the consequences in future elections.
"President Trump is not just fighting for his own political fortune here — he's fighting for the rest of us because if we allow dead people to vote, if we allow people who've moved out of their state to vote in that state, if we allow illegal ballots to be counted, and if we allow ballots to be counted without the transparency and observation that the law requires, Republicans will never win another election ever again," he told Fox News host Sean Hannity.
The Trump reelection campaign is eyeing lawsuits in a number of states where large batches of mail-in ballots contributed to the most votes cast ever recorded in a U.S. presidential election.
Gaetz called on state legislatures to perform audits on the voting rolls to provide transparency to an election that has featured consistent allegations of fraud from both parties in the final stretch to Election Day.
"There's a difference between a recount and audit," Gaetz said. "Every state legislature seeing these irregularities should demand an audit, and they should not be willing to certify electors to the Electoral College until those audits have been completed."
Gaetz said he is prepared to take unprecedented steps, including making a stand in Congress to block the Electoral College vote from being confirmed.
“A full audit is absolutely necessary,” Gaetz added. “I’ll fight on the floor of the House of Representatives from stopping the Electoral College from being certified.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-08--Hunter Biden joins father on stage for 2020 'victory' speech

With questions about his whereabouts now an internet refrain , Hunter Biden made his first in-person campaign appearance alongside his father , Joe Biden , for the apparent president-elect 's `` victory '' speech .
Hunter Biden , 50 , joined his extended family on stage Saturday in Wilmington , Delaware , for a firework display punctuating the two-term vice president 's remarks .
The younger Biden carried his infant son with his second wife , South African filmmaker Melissa Cohen .
He was also alluded to in his father 's address .
`` I would not be here without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hunter , Ashley , all of our grandchildren and their spouses , and all our family , '' the elder Biden said .
Hunter Biden , who also has three adult daughters with ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and a toddler son with Lunden Alexis Roberts , was conspicuously absent since his father announced his third White House bid in April 2019 .
He appeared in a video introducing his family 's patriarch at the Democratic National Convention in August and granted ABC News an interview in October 2019 after President Trump 's interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burisma Holdings prompted an impeachment investigation .
A tranche of emails and photographs purportedly from his laptop that suggested he had offered to arrange a meeting between a Burisma executive and his then-vice presidential father in 2015 , among other allegations , were then made public in October .
Their emergence , which occurred two weeks before Tuesday 's election , threatened to derail his father 's campaign , but it mostly served to gin up Trump 's base .
Joe Biden denied having any involvement in his family 's foreign business dealings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a `` smear campaign . ''
Joe Biden 's speech precedes the Trump camp stepping up its legal challenges to the vote-counting process in the crucial battleground states of Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , Nevada , and Pennsylvania .
Aides have also foreshadowed recounts in Georgia and Wisconsin , given the narrow margins in those states .

With questions about his whereabouts now an internet refrain, Hunter Biden made his first in-person campaign appearance alongside his father, Joe Biden, for the apparent president-elect's "victory" speech.
Hunter Biden, 50, joined his extended family on stage Saturday in Wilmington, Delaware, for a firework display punctuating the two-term vice president's remarks. The younger Biden carried his infant son with his second wife, South African filmmaker Melissa Cohen.
He was also alluded to in his father's address.
"I would not be here without the love and tireless support of Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family," the elder Biden said.
Hunter Biden, who also has three adult daughters with ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and a toddler son with Lunden Alexis Roberts, was conspicuously absent since his father announced his third White House bid in April 2019.
He appeared in a video introducing his family's patriarch at the Democratic National Convention in August and granted ABC News an interview in October 2019 after President Trump's interest in his work with Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings prompted an impeachment investigation.
A tranche of emails and photographs purportedly from his laptop that suggested he had offered to arrange a meeting between a Burisma executive and his then-vice presidential father in 2015, among other allegations, were then made public in October. Their emergence, which occurred two weeks before Tuesday's election, threatened to derail his father's campaign, but it mostly served to gin up Trump's base. Joe Biden denied having any involvement in his family's foreign business dealings and dismissed the reports as being part of a "smear campaign."
Joe Biden's speech precedes the Trump camp stepping up its legal challenges to the vote-counting process in the crucial battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Aides have also foreshadowed recounts in Georgia and Wisconsin, given the narrow margins in those states.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-08--Darrell Issa to return to Congress after victory in California's 50th Congressional District

The voters of California ’ s 50th Congressional District stamped former California Rep. Darrell Issa ’ s return ticket to Capitol Hill after he defeated Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar .
The Associated Press and others made the projection on Saturday evening with Issa getting 53.7 % with 168,220 votes and his opponent getting 46.3 % with 144,975 votes .
Issa previously declared victory in a statement posted to social media Friday night saying : “ Whether you supported me in this election or not , I will work tirelessly in Congress for all who call the 50th District their home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love so much , and for our great country , ” Issa wrote .
He thanked Campa-Najjar “ for a spirited campaign . ''
On Saturday , Campa-Najjar told The Associated Press he still believed he could pull out a win .
“ There ’ s always a chance .
There are still outstanding votes to be counted , ” said Campa-Najjar , a 31-year-old former Obama administration official .
He added : “ I ’ ll respect the final outcome .
We just don ’ t have the final outcome yet.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House representing the state ’ s 49th Congressional District ( after the 48th District was renumbered in 2003 ) from 2001 to 2019 .
His previous district encompassed the counties of Orange and San Diego .
Issa announced in early 2018 he was not seeking reelection .
After his district became more competitive and difficult for him to win , the California Republican left Congress in 2018 to try and serve in the Trump administration as the director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency .
But after New Jersey Democratic Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Issa decided to withdraw his nomination and run for Congress again .
Issa , who is considered one of the wealthiest members of Congress due to his car alarm fortune , loaned himself or gave more than $ 7.7 million to his campaign during this election cycle .
During the 2018 election cycle , many California Republicans lost their seats to Democrats , and Issa ’ s previous district , an open seat , flipped to Democratic Rep. Mike Levin .
However , Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr. , a Republican , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to win reelection over Campa-Najjar by a slim margin in an inland San Diego County district .
Hunter was eventually forced out of his seat after he was charged and convicted in March on campaign finance laws violations .
While Issa once led the powerful House Oversight Committee , it ’ s not likely that he ’ ll get the top Republican spot on the panel , with the GOP still in the minority and other lawmakers clamoring for the high-profile post .
But Issa will retain some seniority on committees because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The California Republican became a national political figure during the Obama administration after Republicans took the majority of the House majority in 2011 .
Issa launched investigations of the administration through his Oversight Committee related to the Justice Department ’ s `` Fast and Furious '' scandal , the IRS ’ s targeting of conservative political organizations , and the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi , Libya , among others .

The voters of California’s 50th Congressional District stamped former California Rep. Darrell Issa’s return ticket to Capitol Hill after he defeated Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar.
The Associated Press and others made the projection on Saturday evening with Issa getting 53.7% with 168,220 votes and his opponent getting 46.3% with 144,975 votes.
Issa previously declared victory in a statement posted to social media Friday night saying:
“Whether you supported me in this election or not, I will work tirelessly in Congress for all who call the 50th District their home, for The State of California which I love so much, and for our great country,” Issa wrote. He thanked Campa-Najjar “for a spirited campaign."
On Saturday, Campa-Najjar told the Associated Press he still believed he could pull out a win.
“There’s always a chance. There are still outstanding votes to be counted,” said Campa-Najjar, a 31-year-old former Obama administration official. He added: “I’ll respect the final outcome. We just don’t have the final outcome yet.”
Issa, 67, previously served in the House representing the state’s 49th Congressional District (after the 48th District was renumbered in 2003) from 2001 to 2019. His previous district encompassed the counties of Orange and San Diego. Issa announced in early 2018 he was not seeking reelection.
After his district became more competitive and difficult for him to win, the California Republican left Congress in 2018 to try and serve in the Trump administration as the director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. But after New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez repeatedly delayed his confirmation, Issa decided to withdraw his nomination and run for Congress again.
Issa, who is considered one of the wealthiest members of Congress due to his car alarm fortune, loaned himself or gave more than $7.7 million to his campaign during this election cycle.
During the 2018 election cycle, many California Republicans lost their seats to Democrats, and Issa’s previous district, an open seat, flipped to Democratic Rep. Mike Levin. However, Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr., a Republican, who was under legal scrutiny at the time, managed to win reelection over Campa-Najjar by a slim margin in an inland San Diego County district.
Hunter was eventually forced out of his seat after he was charged and convicted in March on campaign finance laws violations.
While Issa once led the powerful House Oversight Committee, it’s not likely that he’ll get the top Republican spot on the panel, with the GOP still in the minority and other lawmakers clamoring for the high-profile post. But Issa will retain some seniority on committees because of his nine previous terms in Congress.
The California Republican became a national political figure during the Obama administration after Republicans took the House majority in 2011. Issa launched investigations of the administration through his Oversight Committee related to the Justice Department’s "Fast and Furious" scandal, the IRS’s targeting of conservative political organizations, and the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, among others.
Chief Congressional Correspondent Susan Ferrechio contributed to this report.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-08--Biden's immigration policies are bad for the country and threaten the conservative movement

Now that multiple outlets have declared Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election , it 's apparent that Biden will take more than four decades of experience back to Washington , D.C. — including a horrible immigration policy .
If the Republican Party maintains control of the Senate , which appears likely , they must do everything in their power to stop him from enacting it , or they risk killing the conservative movement .
The worst part of Biden ’ s immigration agenda is that he wants a `` roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will stop deporting people for the first 100 days of his administration .
Biden 's mass amnesty plan is terrible for many reasons .
For starters , Biden wants illegal immigrants to vote .
Who do you think they are going to vote for ?
A 2012 Pew Research Center study showed that 81 % of Latino immigrants favored increasing the size and scope of the federal government .
And those who come here , legally or not , will have children born here and receive birthright citizenship , meaning they can vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They can vote to restrict your First and Second Amendment rights as well as to build a bigger welfare state .
Democrats have won the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections , with Republican wins in the Electoral College coming with razor-thin margins in key battleground states .
For George W. Bush in 2000 , it was 537 votes in Florida , with Ralph Nader and Pat Buchanan playing spoiler .
Then in 2016 , President Trump had three states where his combined margin of victory was about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats want a popular vote in presidential elections , and surely , adding more Democratic voters to pad their lead wouldn ’ t hurt .
Demographic change has already moved the electoral maps in ways few would have imagined even 16 years ago .
In that election , New Mexico and Colorado both voted Republican , and Bush won Georgia by 16 points and Arizona by 10 points .
In 2000 , Bush spent money on TV ads in California , indicating that he thought he had a shot there .
After all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point .
Now , Georgia and Arizona are trending blue ; Biden appears to have won both states .
They ’ re both projected to become racially majority-minority this decade .
Additionally , there are around 1.5 million illegal immigrants in Texas .
That ’ s a state where Beto O'Rourke , who wants to take people 's guns and tear down some of the U.S.-Mexico border wall , was about 200,000 votes shy of winning a Senate seat in 2018 .
It 's also a state that Trump will win in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's competitive .
Even those who despise Trump should worry about the kind of one-party rule this could usher in .
Sure , conservatives should try to win over minority voters , but that will take time — and assimilation .
Plus , there are plenty of other downsides to mass illegal immigration .
Offering pathways to citizenship for illegal immigrants is a great way to encourage more illegal immigration , as is Biden ’ s stance that illegal immigrants should be able to get free college , government-subsidized healthcare , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a great way to boost our carbon footprint as people emit , on average , four times more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in the United States than they would in their home country .
It ’ s also a financial burden to the taxpayers of the U.S .
Yes , many argue that illegal immigrants pay taxes , but not enough to cover the services they use .
The Federation for American Immigration Reform says that illegal immigration costs taxpayers $ 132 billion annually ; for comparison , we could end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Guardian .
So , while illegal immigrants pay an estimated $ 11.7 billion in state and local taxes , around $ 1,000 apiece if you use the lowball estimate of illegal immigrants in the country , it 's still far lower than the more than $ 5,000 the average person in the U.S. pays .
Legalizing these immigrants may boost tax revenue , but a hoard of low-skill immigrants won ’ t pay for themselves .
After all , the top half of income earners pay 97 % of income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 3 % .
Plus , about half of immigrant households use welfare services .
Creating a bigger labor pool among low-skill workers also hurts our country ’ s working class .
It depresses their wages and makes it harder to find jobs .
It also prevents a tight labor market , which gives workers more leverage .
Not to mention the kind of illegal immigration Biden would encourage puts the country at risk of another pandemic — or a terrorist attack .
Think that ’ s fearmongering ?
The coronavirus and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. , and sick people try to come to the U.S. often , Border Patrol agents have said .
Some of the counties worst off in the coronavirus pandemic are U.S.-Mexico border counties .
They include Yuma County , Arizona ( 6.7 % of people have been infected ) ; El Paso County , Texas ( 7.1 % infected ) ; Cameron County , Texas ( 5.8 % infected ) , and Imperial County , California ( 7.4 % infected ) .
And when it comes to terrorism , in six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. stopped 97 people on terrorism watchlists from entering the country , primarily via the porous U.S.-Canadian border .
Sadly , there is probably not a lot of good that could come from a Biden administration on immigration .
He won ’ t implement mandatory e-Verify or a public charge rule ( his campaign website says he opposes one ) ; and he probably won ’ t restrict flawed visa programs such as the EB-5 , J-1 summer work travel , H-2B , H-1B ( he doesn ’ t like Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the F-1 .
Hopefully , Republicans win the Senate runoffs in Georgia and hold onto the Senate .
Gridlock would prevent Biden from broad , permanent action on his worst impulses — including on immigration .
Tom Joyce ( @ TomJoyceSports ) is a freelance writer who has been published in USA Today , the Boston Globe , Newsday , ESPN , the Detroit Free Press , the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , the Federalist , and a number of other media outlets .

Now that multiple outlets have declared Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election, it's apparent that Biden will take more than four decades of experience back to Washington, D.C. — including a horrible immigration policy. If the Republican Party maintains control of the Senate, which appears likely, they must do everything in their power to stop him from enacting it, or they risk killing the conservative movement.
The worst part of Biden’s immigration agenda is that he wants a "roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants." He also says that he will stop deporting people for the first 100 days of his administration.
Biden's mass amnesty plan is terrible for many reasons.
For starters, Biden wants illegal immigrants to vote. Who do you think they are going to vote for? A 2012 Pew Research Center study showed that 81% of Latino immigrants favored increasing the size and scope of the federal government. And those who come here, legally or not, will have children born here and receive birthright citizenship, meaning they can vote in the future one day as well. They can vote to restrict your First and Second Amendment rights as well as to build a bigger welfare state.
Democrats have won the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections, with Republican wins in the Electoral College coming with razor-thin margins in key battleground states. For George W. Bush in 2000, it was 537 votes in Florida, with Ralph Nader and Pat Buchanan playing spoiler. Then in 2016, President Trump had three states where his combined margin of victory was about 80,000 votes. It’s why Democrats want a popular vote in presidential elections, and surely, adding more Democratic voters to pad their lead wouldn’t hurt.
Demographic change has already moved the electoral maps in ways few would have imagined even 16 years ago. In that election, New Mexico and Colorado both voted Republican, and Bush won Georgia by 16 points and Arizona by 10 points. In 2000, Bush spent money on TV ads in California, indicating that he thought he had a shot there. After all, it was Reagan country at one point.
Now, Georgia and Arizona are trending blue; Biden appears to have won both states. They’re both projected to become racially majority-minority this decade. Additionally, there are around 1.5 million illegal immigrants in Texas. That’s a state where Beto O'Rourke, who wants to take people's guns and tear down some of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, was about 200,000 votes shy of winning a Senate seat in 2018. It's also a state that Trump will win in this election by about 6 points, meaning it's competitive.
Even those who despise Trump should worry about the kind of one-party rule this could usher in. Sure, conservatives should try to win over minority voters, but that will take time — and assimilation.
Plus, there are plenty of other downsides to mass illegal immigration.
Offering pathways to citizenship for illegal immigrants is a great way to encourage more illegal immigration, as is Biden’s stance that illegal immigrants should be able to get free college, government-subsidized healthcare, and drivers’ licenses. The latter is also a great way to boost our carbon footprint as people emit, on average, four times more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in the United States than they would in their home country.
It’s also a financial burden to the taxpayers of the U.S. Yes, many argue that illegal immigrants pay taxes, but not enough to cover the services they use. The Federation for American Immigration Reform says that illegal immigration costs taxpayers $132 billion annually; for comparison, we could end world hunger with $330 billion, according to the Guardian. So, while illegal immigrants pay an estimated $11.7 billion in state and local taxes, around $1,000 apiece if you use the lowball estimate of illegal immigrants in the country, it's still far lower than the more than $5,000 the average person in the U.S. pays. Legalizing these immigrants may boost tax revenue, but a hoard of low-skill immigrants won’t pay for themselves. After all, the top half of income earners pay 97% of income tax revenue while the bottom half pay just 3%. Plus, about half of immigrant households use welfare services.
Creating a bigger labor pool among low-skill workers also hurts our country’s working class. It depresses their wages and makes it harder to find jobs. It also prevents a tight labor market, which gives workers more leverage.
Not to mention the kind of illegal immigration Biden would encourage puts the country at risk of another pandemic — or a terrorist attack. Think that’s fearmongering? The coronavirus and the swine flu didn’t originate in the U.S., and sick people try to come to the U.S. often, Border Patrol agents have said. Some of the counties worst off in the coronavirus pandemic are U.S.-Mexico border counties. They include Yuma County, Arizona (6.7% of people have been infected); El Paso County, Texas (7.1% infected); Cameron County, Texas (5.8% infected), and Imperial County, California (7.4% infected).
And when it comes to terrorism, in six months from October 2017 to March 2018, the U.S. stopped 97 people on terrorism watchlists from entering the country, primarily via the porous U.S.-Canadian border.
Sadly, there is probably not a lot of good that could come from a Biden administration on immigration. He won’t implement mandatory e-Verify or a public charge rule (his campaign website says he opposes one); and he probably won’t restrict flawed visa programs such as the EB-5, J-1 summer work travel, H-2B, H-1B (he doesn’t like Trump’s "America first" approach), and the F-1.
Hopefully, Republicans win the Senate runoffs in Georgia and hold onto the Senate. Gridlock would prevent Biden from broad, permanent action on his worst impulses — including on immigration.
Tom Joyce (@TomJoyceSports) is a freelance writer who has been published in USA Today, the Boston Globe, Newsday, ESPN, the Detroit Free Press, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Federalist, and a number of other media outlets.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-08--'Let's give each other a chance': Biden seeks to bridge divides in 'victory' speech

Joe Biden made his first public remarks as the apparent winner of the presidential election , a speech he 's likely been considering since he first ran for the White House more than three decades ago .
`` The people of this nation have spoken .
They have delivered us a clear victory , a convincing victory , a victory for 'we the people . '
We won with the most votes ever cast in the history of our nation , '' Biden said in Wilmington , Delaware , on Saturday evening .
He promised to unify the nation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminding the crowd that he began his third White House campaign `` to restore the soul of this nation.
” Biden spoke directly to black supporters , who revived his flagging bid in the South Carolina primary , while bragging that he had amassed the `` broadest coalition '' for the general election .
`` When this campaign was at its lowest ebb , the African American community stood up again for me .
You 've always had my back , and I 'll have yours , '' he said .
Biden foreshadowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the coronavirus pandemic , appealing for help from his liberal flank and those across the political aisle .
`` For all those of you who voted for President Trump , I understand the disappointment tonight .
I 've lost a couple times myself , but now , let 's give each other a chance , '' he said .
Biden , the two-term vice president and 36-year U.S. senator from Delaware , was joined on stage by Sen. Kamala Harris , his running mate .
The stage had been assembled since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
`` When our very democracy was on the ballot in this election , with the very soul of America at stake , and the world watching , you ushered in a new day for America , '' Harris said in suffragette white after she walked out to Mary J. Blige and quoted the late Rep. John Lewis .
Specifically thanking black women , she continued , `` You delivered a clear message : You chose hope and unity , decency and science , and yes , truth .
You chose Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States of America . ''
Biden , if inaugurated on Jan. 20 , 2021 , will be the oldest commander in chief to take the oath of office after he turns 78 on Nov. 20 .
Harris , the junior senator from California , would be the first woman and first minority woman to be vice president .
For his address , the Biden campaign gathered his largest crowd for an event since the coronavirus upended everyday life in March .
Though many people were n't socially distanced in between their vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most were wearing masks , waving American flags and illuminated tubes .
Biden 's apparent victory coincides with the anniversary of his initial election to the Senate 48 years ago to the day .
He was with his family at his home in Wilmington when multiple outlets projected he had tentatively surpassed the 270 electoral vote threshold , reached thanks to Pennsylvania , the state where he was born .
Trump 's campaign has unleashed a raft of lawsuits in the critical battleground states of Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , Nevada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recounts in Georgia and Wisconsin hang in the balance , given the narrow margins in those states .
Biden aides , however , have already begun the work of transition .
Biden is anticipated to announce his COVID-19 task force on Monday .
Allies have outlined , too , how a Biden administration would initiate its legislative and regulatory agenda with a slew of executive orders , including rejoining the Paris climate agreement and reversing the Trump 's so-called Muslim ban .

Joe Biden made his first public remarks as the apparent winner of the presidential election, a speech he's likely been considering since he first ran for the White House more than three decades ago.
"The people of this nation have spoken. They have delivered us a clear victory, a convincing victory, a victory for 'we the people.' We won with the most votes ever cast in the history of our nation," Biden said in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday evening.
He promised to unify the nation at home and mend its reputation abroad, reminding the crowd that he began his third White House campaign "to restore the soul of this nation.”
Biden spoke directly to black supporters, who revived his flagging bid in the South Carolina primary, while bragging that he had amassed the "broadest coalition" for the general election.
"When this campaign was at its lowest ebb, the African American community stood up again for me. You've always had my back, and I'll have yours," he said.
Biden foreshadowed his first priority would be a federal response to the coronavirus pandemic, appealing for help from his liberal flank and those across the political aisle.
"For all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand the disappointment tonight. I've lost a couple times myself, but now, let's give each other a chance," he said.
Biden, the two-term vice president and 36-year U.S. senator from Delaware, was joined on stage by Sen. Kamala Harris, his running mate. The stage had been assembled since Election Day, which was five days ago.
"When our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake, and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America," Harris said in suffragette white after she walked out to Mary J. Blige and quoted the late Rep. John Lewis.
Specifically thanking black women, she continued, "You delivered a clear message: You chose hope and unity, decency and science, and yes, truth. You chose Joe Biden as the next president of the United States of America."
Biden, if inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2021, will be the oldest commander in chief to take the oath of office after he turns 78 on Nov. 20. Harris, the junior senator from California, would be the first woman and first minority woman to be vice president.
For his address, the Biden campaign gathered his largest crowd for an event since the coronavirus upended everyday life in March. Though many people weren't socially distanced in between their vehicles parked side-by-side for the drive-in rally, most were wearing masks, waving American flags and illuminated tubes.
Biden's apparent victory coincides with the anniversary of his initial election to the Senate 48 years ago to the day. He was with his family at his home in Wilmington when multiple outlets projected he had tentatively surpassed the 270 electoral vote threshold, reached thanks to Pennsylvania, the state where he was born.
Trump's campaign has unleashed a raft of lawsuits in the critical battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Staffers have also said recounts in Georgia and Wisconsin hang in the balance, given the narrow margins in those states.
Biden aides, however, have already begun the work of transition.
Biden is anticipated to announce his COVID-19 task force on Monday. Allies have outlined, too, how a Biden administration would initiate its legislative and regulatory agenda with a slew of executive orders, including rejoining the Paris climate agreement and reversing the Trump's so-called Muslim ban.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-08--Republicans file Arizona election lawsuit related to voting problems and disputed 'SharpieGate' alle

Republicans file Arizona election lawsuit related to voting problems and disputed 'SharpieGate' allegations

Hours after news organization decision desks projected that Joe Biden won the presidential election , President Trump 's campaign filed a lawsuit in Arizona seeking to count ballots that were purportedly rejected in Maricopa County , relying in part on witness affidavits related to so-called `` SharpieGate '' allegations .
Details of the lawsuit center on whether poll workers improperly canceled voters ' ballots .
Trump allies such as American Conservative Union President Matt Schlapp have used the # SharpieGate hashtag in recent days , and Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow 's American Center for Law & Justice uploaded a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This the Voting Scandal of the Century ? ''
The claims that the use of Sharpies for voting resulted in ballots being improperly thrown out were disputed by Arizona 's Republican attorney general , Mark Brnovich , and Democratic secretary of state , Kathleen Hobbs .
“ Poll workers struggled to operate the new voting machines in Maricopa County , and improperly pressed and told voters to press a green button to override significant errors , ” Matt Morgan , Trump 2020 campaign general counsel , said in a statement on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ machines disregarded votes cast by voters in person on Election Day in Maricopa County.
” The lawsuit , if successful , could potentially help Trump inch closer to overtaking the former vice president in the state .
Trump trails Biden by about 21,200 votes .
The Arizona Republican Party filed a lawsuit against Arizona ’ s secretary of state , the Maricopa County recorder , and the clerk of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors , as well as other board members in the Superior Court for the State of Arizona .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharpie allegations , but five of the six attached witness affidavits mentioned alleged problems with using Sharpie markers to fill out ballots .
“ Qualified electors casting ballots in person on Election Day in Maricopa County submitted their completed ballot to an electronic tabulation machine .
Numerous voters were alerted by these devices to a facial irregularity in their ballot — frequently an ostensible ‘ overvote ’ — but were induced by poll workers to override the tabulator ’ s rejection of the ballot in the good faith belief that their vote would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new GOP lawsuit claimed .
“ In actuality , overriding the electronic tabulator ’ s alert automatically disqualifies the putative ‘ overvotes ’ without additional review or adjudication .
Arizona law requires that putative overvotes be subjected to further review in an effort to discern the actual intent of the voter .
...
Potentially thousands of voters across Maricopa County have been disenfranchised by systematic improper tabulator overrides.
” The Republican lawsuit said that poll workers `` frequently deviated '' from proper protocol `` by pressing , or inducing voters to press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tabulation devices when confronted with alerts signaling apparent defects or irregularities '' and explained that `` pushing the green button effectively overrides the tabulator ’ s rejection and causes the ballot to be cast . ''
The lawsuit said that `` when confronted with tabulator alerts , poll workers in Maricopa County regularly and systematically either pressed the green button without the voter ’ s authorization or assent , or instructed or induced the voter to press the green button without disclosing that doing so would cause the ballot to be disqualified and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ races or ballot propositions that contained the apparent overvote or other ostensible defect or irregularity . ''
Democratic lawyer Marc Elias tweeted Saturday evening : “ The latest Trump/GOP lawsuit in AZ .
A retread of a lawsuit dismissed this morning by a conservative group .
They are headed towards 0-10 in court post-election.
” A previous lawsuit by Republicans in Arizona on Wednesday was filed against the Maricopa County Recorder and the Clerk of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors .
“ Plaintiff Laurie Aguilera voted in person in Maricopa County on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She was provided with a sharpie by the poll workers with which to make her ballot .
Plaintiff completed her ballot with the provided sharpie .
While completing it she noticed that the ink was bleeding through , ” the lawsuit alleged .
“ Plaintiff has been voting in person for several election cycles .
However , upon information and belief , she has never before been given a sharpie as a marking device by a poll worker .
Plaintiff fed her ballot into the ballot box .
The ballot box failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll-worker to cancel her ballot in the presence of plaintiff .
Plaintiff requested a new ballot but , upon information and blip , upon consultation with the Marcicopa County Recorder ’ s Office the poll workers refused to provide her with one.
” Democratic lawyers on Thursday pushed back against the claims , saying , “ This lawsuit is a wolf dressed up in sheep ’ s clothing .
Based on the anecdotal and unconfirmed account of a single voter ’ s experience voting with a sharpie marker , Plaintiffs request carte blanche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processing facilities — after in-person voting has already concluded — to ‘ observe the counting of ballots and the adjudication of voter intent.
’ This drastic remedy has the potential , if granted , to throw the processing of ballots in Arizona ’ s largest county into disarray at the eleventh hour.
” On Saturday , the Republicans in that first lawsuit told the court that they “ voluntarily dismiss without prejudice.
” Brnovich said on Thursday that “ based on correspondence and conversations with Maricopa County officials , we are now confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not result in disenfranchisement for Arizona voters . ''
Arizona Deputy Solicitor General Michael Catlett sent a letter to Maricopa County attorney Tom Liddy that said , “ AGO received a significant number of complaints relating to the use of Sharpie brand markers at voting centers across Maricopa County , ” but he also said he didn ’ t believe the Sharpies had resulted in votes being improperly tossed .
“ While some have attempted to characterize those complaints as the product of a ‘ conspiracy theory , ’ it was necessary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than simply brushing voters off , and to obtain information from the elected officials actually tasked with tabulating votes , ” Catlett wrote .
“ Having received and reviewed your correspondence , AGO is satisfied that the mere use of Sharpie brand markers at voting centers in Maricopa County did not result in disenfranchisement . ''
Hobbs tweeted that “ if you voted a regular ballot in-person , your ballot will be counted , no matter what kind of pen you used ( even a Sharpie ) !
” and further stated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters so the ink doesn ’ t smudge as ballots are counted onsite .
New offset columns on the Maricopa ballots mean bleed-through won ’ t impact processing… If you followed your county ’ s instructions , your vote will count , whether you used a Sharpie or other pen.
” She also pointed to a posting from the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency that called the Sharpie claims a “ rumor.
” “ Election officials provide writing instruments that are approved for marking ballots to all in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although felt-tip pens , like Sharpies , may bleed through ballots , some election officials have stated that ballot tabulation equipment in their jurisdictions can still read these ballots , ” CISA said .
“ Many jurisdictions even design their ballots with offset columns to prevent any potential bleed through from impacting the ability to easily scan both sides of ballots.
” Arizona ’ s state elections director , Sambo Dul , told the Arizona attorney general ’ s office that Hobbs “ is committed to overseeing a fair election and dispelling misinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Attorney General shares the same goal and will join an ever-growing chorus of public officials and media sources that have correctly labeled what is now being referred to as ‘ SharpieGate ’ as the unfounded conspiracy theory that it is.
” Unlike other states , remaining ballots to be counted in Arizona have slightly favored Trump over Biden , and the president has closed the gap between the two by tens of thousands of votes as results are posted .
But based on the breakdown of votes for Trump and Biden in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days , election analysts project that Trump does not lead remaining ballots by a high enough margin to overtake Biden in the state .
There are about 118,000 outstanding ballots in Arizona , including 60,400 votes ready to be inputted , 45,500 provisional ballots ( many of which may not be counted ) , and 12,200 early ballots on which the voter signature does not match the signature and are awaiting a voter `` curing '' the problem before Tuesday at 5 p.m .

Hours after news organization decision desks projected that Joe Biden won the presidential election, President Trump's campaign filed a lawsuit in Arizona seeking to count ballots that were purportedly rejected in Maricopa County, relying in part on witness affidavits related to so-called "SharpieGate" allegations.
Details of the lawsuit center on whether poll workers improperly canceled voters' ballots. Trump allies such as American Conservative Union President Matt Schlapp have used the #SharpieGate hashtag in recent days, and Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow's American Center for Law & Justice uploaded a video speculating, "'SHARPIEGATE' — Is This the Voting Scandal of the Century?" The claims that the use of Sharpies for voting resulted in ballots being improperly thrown out were disputed by Arizona's Republican attorney general, Mark Brnovich, and Democratic secretary of state, Kathleen Hobbs.
“Poll workers struggled to operate the new voting machines in Maricopa County, and improperly pressed and told voters to press a green button to override significant errors,” Matt Morgan, Trump 2020 campaign general counsel, said in a statement on Saturday. “The result is that the voting machines disregarded votes cast by voters in person on Election Day in Maricopa County.”
The lawsuit, if successful, could potentially help Trump inch closer to overtaking the former vice president in the state. Trump trails Biden by about 21,200 votes.
The Arizona Republican Party filed a lawsuit against Arizona’s secretary of state, the Maricopa County recorder, and the clerk of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, as well as other board members in the Superior Court for the State of Arizona. The new lawsuit did not specifically mention the Sharpie allegations, but five of the six attached witness affidavits mentioned alleged problems with using Sharpie markers to fill out ballots.
“Qualified electors casting ballots in person on Election Day in Maricopa County submitted their completed ballot to an electronic tabulation machine. Numerous voters were alerted by these devices to a facial irregularity in their ballot — frequently an ostensible ‘overvote’ — but were induced by poll workers to override the tabulator’s rejection of the ballot in the good faith belief that their vote would be duly registered and tabulated,” the new GOP lawsuit claimed. “In actuality, overriding the electronic tabulator’s alert automatically disqualifies the putative ‘overvotes’ without additional review or adjudication. Arizona law requires that putative overvotes be subjected to further review in an effort to discern the actual intent of the voter. ... Potentially thousands of voters across Maricopa County have been disenfranchised by systematic improper tabulator overrides.”
The Republican lawsuit said that poll workers "frequently deviated" from proper protocol "by pressing, or inducing voters to press, the so-called 'green button' on tabulation devices when confronted with alerts signaling apparent defects or irregularities" and explained that "pushing the green button effectively overrides the tabulator’s rejection and causes the ballot to be cast." The lawsuit said that "when confronted with tabulator alerts, poll workers in Maricopa County regularly and systematically either pressed the green button without the voter’s authorization or assent, or instructed or induced the voter to press the green button without disclosing that doing so would cause the ballot to be disqualified and not tabulated with respect to any candidate races or ballot propositions that contained the apparent overvote or other ostensible defect or irregularity."
Democratic lawyer Marc Elias tweeted Saturday evening: “The latest Trump/GOP lawsuit in AZ. A retread of a lawsuit dismissed this morning by a conservative group. They are headed towards 0-10 in court post-election.”
A previous lawsuit by Republicans in Arizona on Wednesday was filed against the Maricopa County Recorder and the Clerk of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
“Plaintiff Laurie Aguilera voted in person in Maricopa County on Election Day, November 3, 2020. She was provided with a sharpie by the poll workers with which to make her ballot. Plaintiff completed her ballot with the provided sharpie. While completing it she noticed that the ink was bleeding through,” the lawsuit alleged. “Plaintiff has been voting in person for several election cycles. However, upon information and belief, she has never before been given a sharpie as a marking device by a poll worker. Plaintiff fed her ballot into the ballot box. The ballot box failed to properly register her vote causing a poll-worker to cancel her ballot in the presence of plaintiff. Plaintiff requested a new ballot but, upon information and blip, upon consultation with the Marcicopa County Recorder’s Office the poll workers refused to provide her with one.”
Democratic lawyers on Thursday pushed back against the claims, saying, “This lawsuit is a wolf dressed up in sheep’s clothing. Based on the anecdotal and unconfirmed account of a single voter’s experience voting with a sharpie marker, Plaintiffs request carte blanche access to Maricopa County’s ballot processing facilities — after in-person voting has already concluded — to ‘observe the counting of ballots and the adjudication of voter intent.’ This drastic remedy has the potential, if granted, to throw the processing of ballots in Arizona’s largest county into disarray at the eleventh hour.”
On Saturday, the Republicans in that first lawsuit told the court that they “voluntarily dismiss without prejudice.”
Brnovich said on Thursday that “based on correspondence and conversations with Maricopa County officials, we are now confident that the use of Sharpie markers did not result in disenfranchisement for Arizona voters."
Arizona Deputy Solicitor General Michael Catlett sent a letter to Maricopa County attorney Tom Liddy that said, “AGO received a significant number of complaints relating to the use of Sharpie brand markers at voting centers across Maricopa County,” but he also said he didn’t believe the Sharpies had resulted in votes being improperly tossed.
“While some have attempted to characterize those complaints as the product of a ‘conspiracy theory,’ it was necessary and appropriate to conduct some investigation, rather than simply brushing voters off, and to obtain information from the elected officials actually tasked with tabulating votes,” Catlett wrote. “Having received and reviewed your correspondence, AGO is satisfied that the mere use of Sharpie brand markers at voting centers in Maricopa County did not result in disenfranchisement."
Hobbs tweeted that “if you voted a regular ballot in-person, your ballot will be counted, no matter what kind of pen you used (even a Sharpie)!” and further stated that “Marcicopa County provided Sharpies to their voters so the ink doesn’t smudge as ballots are counted onsite. New offset columns on the Maricopa ballots mean bleed-through won’t impact processing… If you followed your county’s instructions, your vote will count, whether you used a Sharpie or other pen.” She also pointed to a posting from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency that called the Sharpie claims a “rumor.”
“Election officials provide writing instruments that are approved for marking ballots to all in-person voters using hand-marked paper ballots. … Although felt-tip pens, like Sharpies, may bleed through ballots, some election officials have stated that ballot tabulation equipment in their jurisdictions can still read these ballots,” CISA said. “Many jurisdictions even design their ballots with offset columns to prevent any potential bleed through from impacting the ability to easily scan both sides of ballots.”
Arizona’s state elections director, Sambo Dul, told the Arizona attorney general’s office that Hobbs “is committed to overseeing a fair election and dispelling misinformation,” and “she hopes that the Attorney General shares the same goal and will join an ever-growing chorus of public officials and media sources that have correctly labeled what is now being referred to as ‘SharpieGate’ as the unfounded conspiracy theory that it is.”
Unlike other states, remaining ballots to be counted in Arizona have slightly favored Trump over Biden, and the president has closed the gap between the two by tens of thousands of votes as results are posted. But based on the breakdown of votes for Trump and Biden in batches of results posted over the last few days, election analysts project that Trump does not lead remaining ballots by a high enough margin to overtake Biden in the state.
There are about 118,000 outstanding ballots in Arizona, including 60,400 votes ready to be inputted, 45,500 provisional ballots (many of which may not be counted), and 12,200 early ballots on which the voter signature does not match the signature and are awaiting a voter "curing" the problem before Tuesday at 5 p.m.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-08--WATCH: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris address nation after news outlets project victory

Former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris , deliver remarks to the nation from @ @ @ @ @ news outlets projected victory for their White House campaign on Saturday .
The speech is @ @ @ @ @ p.m. EST .
President Trump has said that he is not ready to concede the @ @ @ @ @ lawsuits and recounts to play out , and he is not expected to speak Saturday @ @

Former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, deliver remarks to the nation from Wilmington, Delaware, after news outlets projected victory for their White House campaign on Saturday.
The speech is expected to begin at 8 p.m. EST.
President Trump has said that he is not ready to concede the race, instead waiting on lawsuits and recounts to play out, and he is not expected to speak Saturday evening.