The former commissioner of the Philadelphia County Board of Elections, Al Schmidt, told Jake Tapper that if Doug Mastriano wins the governor's race, it puts our democracy in danger.
Al Schmidt, a Republican, testified to the January 6 committee about the problems he and others in Philadelphia faced following Trump's attacks over many bogus election fraud claims in Pennsylvania.
Mastriano was questioned by the Select Committee as well. Mastriano helped "organize buses for pro-Trump rally attendees who traveled to Washington on January 6, 2021, and [sent a] letter to a top Justice Department official outlining various claims of voter fraud in Pennsylvania, according to the records, which were obtained by CNN."
The CNN host asked about the qualification of Doug Mastriano.
Tapper said, "He's also an election liar. Who was there on January 6. That must offend you."
Schmidt said, "It's a real concern because while you have, across the country Secretaries of State who are responsible for running elections in those states...In Pennsylvania the governor appoints the Secretary of State. So this election for governor is really going to decide who runs elections in Pennsylvania in 2024."
Tapper asked, "You have a fear if Mastriano were to... when he would appoint somebody that does not adhere to the rule of law and election protocols?"
"I would be concerned that anyone elected governor who was with the one hand sort of embracing America, and on the other hand rejecting democracy, being responsible for running an election. That would be a concern," Schmidt replied.
Doug Mastriano is a danger to democracy.
Mastriano just hired Jenna Ellis, one of Trump's faux lawyers, who with Giuliani tried to overturn the 2020 election with election fraud lies.
On the primary campaign trail this year, Ms. Ellis pointed to Mr. Mastriano’s efforts in November 2020, when, as a freshmen state senator, he organized a hearing featuring members of Mr. Trump’s legal team, including Ms. Ellis and Mr. Giuliani, to spread false claims about the election. Mr. Mastriano also pressured Justice Department officials to open inquiries into the election.
