The DNC to look into Ohio voting

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee said Saturday it is supporting investigations of allegations into voting irregularities, DNC official Donna Brazile said.

The DNC's Voting Rights Institute, of which Brazile serves as chairwoman, has provided monetary and other support to look into charges of voting problems in Ohio and Washington states. The focus will be on Ohio, which turned out to be the key state in President Bush's re-election.

"We are launching this comprehensive investigative study not to contest the results of the 2004 election, but to help ensure that every eligible vote cast is truly counted," Brazile said during the Democrats' weekly radio address.

She said "legitimate questions and concerns" include provisional ballots, lines at polls and voting machines. Her group is to issue a report in the spring.

"There is nothing more important to me than insuring the right to vote, and I am proud that the Democratic Party stands on the principle that, regardless of who wins, every vote should be counted, and every voter is entitled to have a voting experience free of hassles and intimidation irrespective of where they live," Brazile said.