Hold those involved accountable

Robin Hayes,

North Carolina GOP chairman:

“This action by election officials would be a fundamental violation of the sense of fair play, honesty and integrity that the Republican Party stands for. We can never tolerate the state putting its thumb on the scale. The people involved in this must be held accountable and should it be true, this fact alone would likely require a new election.”

The Charlotte Observer, editorial:

“If there was fraud, it’s extremely likely that it affected the Republican primary as much as it did the November general election. That’s why the U.S. House shouldn’t play politics and merely sign off on any state board of elections plan for a new election. ... It instead should order a complete doover, with primaries open to all.”

Tom Campbell, (Wilmington) StarNews:

“I’ve always (believed) there was little evidence of voter fraud in our state. I was wrong. Those asserting widespread fraud obviously knew whereof they spoke, only it isn’t the type of fraud they postulated. They claimed large numbers were attempting to vote using false names or in precincts in which they were not registered. ... Legislature is devoting much time determining the kinds of identification needed for voters at the polls. They should spend even more time cleaning up our absentee ballot laws. That is a process apparently rife with fraud. One fact seems clear: Santa will be bringing lumps of coal to some in the 9th.”