Voting Rights Chief Steps Down
The Justice Department lawyer in charge of voting rights stepped down on Friday following allegations that he helped suppress African-American votes.
McClatchy’s D.C. bureau relates John Tanner’s job change to controversy over the politicization of Bush administration’s Department of Justice. Tanner came under fire in October for a comment that black Americans have shorter life spans, so a Georgia photo ID would have a greater impact on white voters.
The news organization has reported on what it calls a pattern of Justice Department decision-making, especially within the Civil Rights Division, that tends to curtail the voting rights of Democratic-leaning minorities.
Tanner reportedly asked to be reassigned and has taken a position in the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices.
Until a permanent replacement for Tanner is named, veteran voting rights lawyer Chris Coates will serve as acting chief.
