We want a nominee who can FIGHT the Republicans, not vote-suppress like them

Joe Sudbay on the Clinton campaign's voter suppression efforts in Nevada: The attempt by supporters of Hillary Clinton to change the rules of the Nevada Democratic caucus, which have been approved for months, goes to court tomorrow. A Supreme Court decision issued today based on a case from New York State seems to undermine the arguments of the plaintiffs. For me, this episode is one of the most despicable acts we've seen in the campaign so far this year. We expect Republicans to block voters from participating, but not Democrats. According to the Las Vegas Sun (my new favorite paper, for this week anyway) the case may be doomed already over timing issues. Basically, the plaintiffs waited too long to file: It appeared that the plaintiffs, another legal expert said, “just waited too late in the day to entertain these types of issues.” The doctrine is meant to prevent last-minute litigation when rules could have been challenged earlier, said Edward B. Foley, professor of law at Moritz College of Law and the director of the election law program at Ohio State University. “The court is likely to ask: Why couldn’t they have brought this sooner? Why is it filed now?” Supporters of the lawsuit have said they didn’t become aware of the caucus rules until recently, though the rules were passed by the state party in March. They became very "aware" of the rules after Obama got endorsement of the Culinary Workers Union. Which brings me to today's Supreme Court ruling explained after the break. One of the legal expert interviewed by the Sun made this astute comment: Even if the judge discounts the timing, Foley said, courts have largely given wide latitude to parties to come up with their own rules. “This is arguably an internal party matter,” he said. “Case law from the U.S. Supreme Court gives considerable deference to parties.” Astute, because interestingly, a Supreme Court case unanimously decided today may undermine the lawsuit brought by the Clinton supporters. That case revolves around political parties in New York State choosing judicial candidates. More here. You know, I've really tried to resist the temptation to don the tinfoil as I've read Bradblog on a daily basis since the New Hampshire primary. I've really wanted to believe that not even the Clintons, who are as ruthless as any Republican (which is why Bill Clinton won twice and prevailed despite an eight-year-long witch hunt), at least believe in Americans' right to vote. There are legitimate beefs with the caucus process in that those who can't be physically present can't participate. The same could be said of having a single day in which to vote. But this campaign's attempt to stop caucus locations on the Strip in Las Vegas that are designed to allow casino workers to participate is nothing short of vote suppression. And if this campaign is trying to keep people from voting, then Hillary Clinton has lost the right to be taken seriously as a president who can clean up the mess left by George W. Bush.