Graham Could Be in Hot Water [View all]
Speaking of people who could use a pardon right now, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) may have taken his enthusiasm for kowtowing to Donald Trump a bit too far. Michael J. Moore is currently in private practice, but he served as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia for five years, and so he knows a thing or two about election law. And Moore has now filed a formal complaint with the Georgia State Board of Elections, asking them to look into Graham's mucking around in the Peach State's ballot counting.
Under the terms of Georgia law, it is a criminal offense when someone "solicits, requests, commands, importunes, or otherwise attempts to cause" another person to commit an election-related offense. It is also a criminal offense to interfere with the state secretary of state as they perform their election-related duties. And so, when Graham called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) and leaned on him to toss out multiple thousands of valid ballots, the Senator appears to have committed both offenses. He also unwisely chose to do so while several of Raffensperger's underlings were listening in. Those folks, who have already confirmed what happened, are what is known as "witnesses" (forgive the fancy legal terminology).
It short, Graham certainly appears to have been caught red-handed. His best hope is that Georgia authorities decline to pursue the matter. Failing that, he can shoot for a pardon, but he can't get one from Trump since it's a violation of state, and not federal, law. Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) might be persuaded to grant one, except that in Georgia, he doesn't have that power. Instead, it would be up to the five-member Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, who are presumably less susceptible to political influence than a governor who will have to go before voters again in 2 years. Add it up, and the Senator might well need recommendations for a good lawyer. Which is, of course, something else Trump can't help him with. (Z)
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https://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2020/Pres/Maps/Dec04.html#item-3
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