CDP: "Tancredo's vote shows once again how out of touch he is with American values."

DENVER- Today, lawmakers from both parties commended President Bush as he signed the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. It was a far different scene last week when Representative Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton) was one of just 33 members of Congress to vote against the VRA. The VRA has been hailed as a landmark bill that ensures every American has the opportunity to exercise our most basic right - the right to vote - and have that vote counted. Representative Tancredo opposed extending those protections to another generation of Americans.

"For most Americans, reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act is a truly historic accomplishment, representing the best of our American values. Representative Tancredo chose this important moment in our nation’s history to grandstand and play politics," said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak. "The people of Colorado deserve leaders who will stand up and protect our rights. Our children know that voting is the most important right we enjoy in our great Democracy. It is the basic freedom that guarantees all the rights and protections our Constitution provides.

"The people of Colorado deserve real leaders who will not use divisive and obstructive tactics to further their political agendas. Colorado families deserve real leaders who are committed ending other efforts to erode and restrict voting rights. From partisan redistricting to restrictive voter ID regulations, to the vulnerabilities of electronic voting machines, to attempts by Congressional Republicans to water down the VRA with amendments only a few weeks ago, the assault on voting rights is still happening across the country."

"Colorado Republicans should denounce Representative Tancredo’s vote against the VRA and join lawmakers in pressing the Bush White House, the Justice Department and the Bush Republicans in Congress to ensure that all lawfully eligible voters are able to cast their vote and have that vote counted."

The following Republicans voted Against the VRA Reauthorization:

Baker, Barrett (SC), Bartlett (MD), Barton (TX), Bonner, Burton (IN), Campbell (CA), Conaway, Deal (GA), Doolittle, Duncan, Everett, Foxx, Franks (AZ), Garrett (NJ), Gingrey, Hefley, Hensarling, Herger, Sam Johnson, King (IA), Linder, McHenry, Gary Miller, Norwood, Paul, Price (GA), Rohrabacher, Royce, Shadegg, Tancredo, Thornberry, Westmoreland