January 29, 2014

Judge McGinley Bungles Voter ID

By Edward H. Stewart, Jr.
Bernard L. McGinley's Pennsylvania photo ID opinion leaves us wondering, "Just what's this guy up to?" For starters, it's a split decision. McGinley rules against requiring a photo ID at the polls, but rejects the equal protection claim so dear to the hearts of race baiters. The law failed to meet the "unassailable need to ensure liberal access to compliant photo ID" -- only 17,000 IDs were issued --yet there was no "purposeful discrimination." Indictments of legislative stupidity compounded by administrative ineptitude have a certain appeal, and this opinion has them aplenty. Even with pure intentions, it implies, when government gets its hands on a problem it mucks things up. Especially when it's trying to fix what ain't broke. Hizzoner, however, hardly deserves our applause. Attacks on flawed design and inept execution can't hide the fact that his opinion is driven by tired Democratic talking points: 1) there's no such thing as in-person voter fraud; and 2) requiring photo ID...(Read Full Article)