RICHARD G.

LUGAR
FOREIGN RELATIONS, RANKING MEM8ER
INDIANA
AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
306 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20510
202-224-4814

http://lugar.senate.gov
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WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1401

July 22, 2010

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Mr. Patrick Blumer

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Dear Mr. Blumer:

Thank you for sharing with me your concerns about the decision by Department of
Justice officials to drop a civil case against members of the New Black Panther Party for Self-
Defense. I agree that such decisions must reflect the merits of each individual case rather than
political considerations, and I have contacted the Department of Justice to request information
about this matter. I will promptly share with you a copy of the Department's response.

I share your dedication to fair elections. Since 2002, states have been taking steps to
implement reforms mandated by the Help America Vote Act, which includes the Lugar
Amendment stating that election grant funds may go to states wishing to establish toll-free
telephone hotlines to be used by voters reporting possible voting fraud and voting rights
violations or seeking election information. It is my hope that these toll-free hotlines will assist
officials in accessing the information they need to prosecute violations and implement
procedures to prevent further violations. Hoosier voters can call our state's hotline at: I (800)
IN-I-VOTE.

This legislation enhances access to the polls, improves confidence that one's vote is being
properly cast and counted, and has reduced cases of vote fraud. The presidential election of 2000
reminded us that elections can be close and that public confidence in the outcome of elections
. depenc.lSon !he accura«y,J!iirness, and legaljty of ele_ctionprocedures. _QbtainiIlg accllr!ite.results__
requires ensuring that fraudulent votes do not dilute the votes cast by eligible voters and that all
eligible citizens have poll access. I will continue to look for ways to provide even more security
and credibility for our state and national elections.

Thank you, again, for sharing your concerns with me.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Lugar
United States Senator

RGL/joj

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