Texas Democratic Party: Moving Texas Forward

Demand Follows News that Department of Justice Investigating Voter Intimidation Incidents

(Austin, TX) – Following two days of media reports of illegal political activity and voter harassment at early voting polling sites, Texas Democratic Party General Counsel Chad Dunn today sent a letter requesting to inspect the books and records of King Street Patriots, Inc.  King Street Patriots has been operating as an illegal political committee without disclosing its donors and expenditures as required by law.  Texas law requires organizations like the King Street Patriots to make the information requested available. The Texas Democratic Party is committed to bringing King Street Patriots’ activities into the light of day.  Failure to comply with Dunn’s request would constitute a criminal offense under Business Organization Code 22.354.

On Monday, the TDP filed suit against King Street because they are illegally operating as a non-profit organization while conducting partisan political activities to assist Harris County Republican candidates.  Yesterday, the TDP released a report detailing instances of voter harassment and intimidation at the hands of poll watchers who were recruited and trained by the King Street Patriots and appointed as poll watchers by Republicans.

“The King Street Republicans are failing to comply with the law that requires them to disclose basic information about their organization.  They are hiding records that show who is funding their efforts and what correspondence they’ve had with Republican political groups,” said Dunn.  “The Texas Democratic Party will find out who these shadow donors are and make sure all those who acted in concert with the King Street Republicans group, including Republican candidates, oppressive “poll watchers,” and all their donors are held responsible for their actions.”