An investigation by McClatchy Newspapers' Washington Bureau indicates the photo ID bill that Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, has continued to try to force-feed down Missourians' throats, was at least partially written by Lathrop & Gage attorney Thor Hearne, likely at the behest of Bush advisor Karl Rove:
Separately, Hearne helped establish the nonprofit Center for American Voting Rights in February 2005, which issued lengthy reports alleging voter fraud in states across the country, including Missouri. One director of the supposedly nonpartisan group was Brian Lunde, a former executive director of the Democratic National Committee who switched his allegiance in 2000 and headed Democrats for Bush in 2004.
Barnard's Minnite said the center's summary on Missouri consisted of "a litany of overblown allegations of fraud appearing in newspapers, most of which turn out to be minor problems or no problem at all."
Republican state Sen. Delbert Scott of Lowry, Mo., chief sponsor of the photo-ID bill last year, said Hearne had helped draft it and served as a key adviser.
Hearne didn't respond to several requests for comment. His organization closed down its Internet site in March and has disappeared from view.
My guess is Hearne was the only author of Scott's legislation, since that would fit Missouri's tradition of having most legislation drafted by lobbyists and special interest groups.
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