Lynn C. Woolsey: “it appeared earlier this month that if DeForest Soaries, the chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, had…”

“it appeared earlier this month that if DeForest Soaries, the chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, had gotten his wish, his agency would have the authority to postpone the November Presidential elections in the event of a terrorist threat or attack. I was personally appalled that Soaries made such a request and that it was even considered. The postponement of a Presidential election would present the greatest threat to date to our democratic process. It would be an admission of defeat to the terrorists, inviting them to disrupt the selection of our highest leader, and it would be unprecedented in our Nation's history. Such a proposal suggests that State officials responsible for elections in their region are incapable of deciding what steps to take in the event of a catastrophe. The legislative branch of the government has always held the authority to regulate elections, not the executive branch. So last week I wrote a letter to Secretary Ridge, as the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) stated, and I requested that he take no further steps to postpone this year's Presidential election.”