WI Ass't AG argues laws restricting voting weren't shown to be discriminatory by intention

[HereSince1628]

and so a federal can't strike down the raft of new laws passed and approved by completely GOP controlled WI state gov't
----------------------------------

"Assistant Wisconsin Attorney General Clay Kawski said in court Thursday the judge can't toss more than a dozen laws passed since 2011 because there isn't evidence that they were passed with the intention to discriminate against non-white and young voters.

<snip>

Attorney Bruce Van Spiva argues that evidence shows Republicans intended for the state's voter identification requirement to suppress Democratic voters in Milwaukee and college campuses.

The judge has said he will rule by August."

http://www.channel3000.com/news/judge-to-hear-closing-arguments-in-wisconsin-voting-lawsuit/40292328

[dembotoz]

1. seems not lying is not part of the oath of office

[HereSince1628]

4. It should be, but as an att'y, he's trained to provide the best defense

And the choice to argue that 'intent' of the law as the key issue rather then 'effect' of the law is rather telling.

[mythology]

2. So they were smart enough to not put it in an email that was the goal

Given that so many others in other states have, and given that it's the obvious outcome, it's a rather silly claim that the laws aren't intended to discriminate.

[HereSince1628]

5. It's weird that intent is seen as more important than effect

[bemildred]

3. Does he have a theory as to what their intention was,

or was it just some random law-making that went bad?

[HereSince1628]

6. The long-standing meme has been securing integrity of the vote.

I haven't read this particular Ass't AG's comments on that

[bemildred]

7. Thank you. nt

[Thor_MN]

8. The intent has always been to provide an advantage to republican candidates.

The fact that discrimination is involved is just a happy coincidence for them.

[riversedge]

9. Two Republicans involved in the votes Said the intent was to get Repugs votes, but this

judge seems to be dismissing these admissions!!

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/attorneys-argue-wisconsin-election-laws-discriminatory-40250155



Judge: 'Decent Case' Political Role in Wisconsin Voting Laws

By scott bauer, associated press

MADISON, Wis. — Jun 30, 2016, 1:13 PM ET

........... He referenced comments from Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, made in an interview in April, that he thought the voter ID law would help Republicans in the November election. Peterson said he didn't think the evidence showed it would help Republicans significantly, or that it would hurt Democrats as much as was argued.

The plaintiffs argue that the laws discriminate against the poor, racial minorities and younger voters who are more inclined to vote Democratic. The state Department of Justice counters that they have not suppressed turnout and the state works hard to ensure everyone who needs a free ID to vote gets one.

Attorney Bruce Van Spiva argued that if the judge finds any parts of the laws are discriminatory, he must rule the entire laws unconstitutional and block enforcement. He said the evidence showed Republicans were motivated to pass the laws to suppress Democratic turnout and there was no need to make the changes.

He cited testimony of Todd Allbaugh, who was chief of staff to then state-Sen. Dale Schultz, a Republican. Allbaugh testified that Republican senators said in a closed-door meeting discussing the voter ID law that it was needed to improve the GOP's chances of winning elections by reducing turnout in urban areas and college campuses.

But the judge raised questions about whether Allbaugh's testimony could be trusted, given that he left the Republican Party partly out of disgust over passage of the voter ID law.

"It's score settling. I'm not doubting his real sincerity but his perspective is hostile to his former party," Peterson said. "He feels betrayed."................

[riversedge]

10. Wisconsin voter ID trial ends today. GOP bragged about disenfranchising blacks & students

Ari Berman
?@AriBerman

Wisconsin voter ID trial ends today. GOP bragged about disenfranchising blacks & students https://www.thenation.com/article/the-gops-war-on-voting-is-working/ …