Republican Legislators Support Enhanced Penalties for Vote Bribery

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October 28, 2010 Lucas Lentsch, 605-224-7347

Republican Legislators Support Enhanced Penalties for Vote Bribery

PIERRE - Eighteen Republican legislators today announced their support for Jason Gant's proposal to enhance penalties for vote bribery. Earlier this week, State Senator Jason Gant, the Republican candidate for Secretary of State, proposed increased penalties in response to ‘food-for-votes’ rallies being promoted by Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and the Democratic Party.

“We must continue to assure that our elections are open and honest and free of impropriety,” said Speaker of the House Tim Rave.

"This is South Dakota, not Chicago," said State Representative Brian Gosch of Rapid City. "We expect our elections to be clean and fair."

"Jason Gant has it right," said State Representative Justin Cronin of Gettysburg. "These allegations need to be taken seriously and the penalties should be enhanced."

State Representative Dan Lederman from Dakota Dunes added, “I find this behavior despicable and a shameless display of voter fraud.”

Current Legislators offering their support for the Gant proposal include:

State Senate State House of Representatives

Sen. Al Novstrup Speaker of the House Tim Rave

Sen. Bob Gray Rep. Brian Gosch

Sen. Tom Hansen Rep. Justin Cronin

Sen. Corey Brown Rep. Dan Lederman

Sen. Jeff Haverly Rep. Charlie Hoffman

Sen. Cooper Garnos Rep. David Lust

Sen. Russ Olson Rep. Kim Vanneman

Sen. Larry Rhoden Rep. Deb Peters

Sen. Tom Nelson Rep. Jim Bolin

Gant's proposal called for increasing penalties to a Class 6 felony, which carries with it a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $2000 fine.

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