HARRISBURG – Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding an interview that was conducted today with a former Justice Department attorney about the Department’s 2008 New Black Panther Party voter intimidation case.  (Clickhere to view the video.)

“This case is one of the most blatantly obvious cases of voter intimidation ever, and the Obama Administration’s decision was to turn a blind eye.  I strongly believe that Americans deserve to know why,” Gleason said.  “The decision to condone this type of behavior at America’s polling place will only encourage similar instances of voter intimidation in the future.  Sadly, the allegations brought forth today raise significant questions about the Obama Justice Department’s ability to protect the rights of America’s voters.

“Anyone who watched the video of two New Black Panther members brandishing a nightstick outside a Philadelphia polling place can see that this was one of the most obvious case of voter intimidation in our nation’s history.  If blocking a polling place while swinging a nightstick is not considered voter intimidation, then what qualifies?

“Americans deserve an answer as to why this matter has been swept under the rug.  If this Administration is truly serious about its supposed commitment to transparency, then it’s time to open up the doors to the Justice Department and allow an independent investigation of this matter as soon as possible!”

During an interview on Fox News Channel’s America Live, former Justice Department attorney J. Christian Adams said that political appointees within the Department were ordered to dismiss the charges levied against four members of the New Black Panther Party in Philadelphia. (“Former Justice Department Lawyer Accuses Holder of Dropping New Black Panther Case For Racial Reasons,”FoxNews.com, 6/30/10)

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