[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTEGRITY AT THE BALLOT-BOX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, over the last several days, this House has 
been asked to consider repeated motions to end the investigation into 
possible voter-fraud in California's 46th Congressional District during 
the 1996 election. Unfortunately, our Democratic colleagues have 
repeatedly tried to make this into a political dogfight. Nothing could 
be further from the truth.
  This investigation has absolutely nothing to do with either candidate 
in the 46th district election. This investigation is about integrity at 
the ballot-box and ensuring that the electoral process in America 
remains genuine.
  This is not a partisan issue, this is not a personality issue, and 
this is not a political issue. Most of all, this should never be made 
into an issue of race. The investigation into this election is a 
defense of free and fair elections.
  It could happen in California, it could happen in Montana. No matter 
where it occurs, we have a responsibility to pursue the facts 
vigorously and ensure that future elections are fair. The Constitution 
demands it and the American people deserve it.
  Mr. Speaker, are we that far removed from our history as a nation to 
forget the importance free and fair elections? there is no excuse for 
fraud at the ballot box and there is no excuse for those here in 
Congress who turn their backs to it.

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