Today the Democratic National Committee and the Ohio Democratic Party filed a motion for summary judgment in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio requesting to permanently maintain the early voting days and hours during the three days before Election Day for all eligible Ohioans. After filing the motion, the DNC and ODP released the following joint statement:

“Our principle in this motion is simple. The early voting process has served Ohio voters well for nearly a decade and expanded opportunity for all eligible voters to make their voices heard – including 96,000 who voted in the last three days before Election Day in 2012. We were successful in preserving early voting rights, including for military members and their families, and our goal is to achieve the same outcome for the 2014 election and beyond.”

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:

“This May we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and honor the community’s valuable contributions to our nation. A thriving AAPI community is an integral part of our nation’s prosperity and the product of generations of struggles and sacrifices. Their successes are a testament to the enduring power of the American Dream.

“Under President Obama, Democrats have made progress on the priorities that AAPI communities share with so many American families. We have invested in education and cut taxes for middle-class families. The Affordable Care Act has increased access to quality, affordable health care, including preventive care with no co-pay and allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance plans. AAPI small business owners have been empowered by small business loans, tax cuts, and credits to provide health insurance for their employees. Democrats are also committed to enacting common sense reform that will fix our nation’s broken immigration system, facilitate family reunification, and provide a path to citizenship for those already here, including DREAMers.

“Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that makes our nation stronger, and to rededicate ourselves to the shared values that bring Americans together.”

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month:

“I am proud to celebrate May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The values of tzedakah and tikkun olam have guided our community and compelled Jewish Americans to contribute to the betterment of our world. Each year in May, we celebrate those contributions.

“The traditions that have long motivated the Jewish community – service, justice, equality, and freedom – are the same that inspire American greatness. I am proud that many in the American Jewish community have emerged as leaders on consequential issues, including expanding access to quality, affordable health care, fixing our broken immigration system, and extending greater equality to women and the LGBT community.

“President Obama and the Democratic Party have been steadfast allies of the American Jewish community by upholding our values and demonstrating our nation’s commitment to the security and strength of Israel. The greatest way to honor Jewish American Heritage Month is the continued pursuit of our common priorities.”

https://my.democrats.org/Meet-President-Obama

https://my.democrats.org/Meet-President-Obama

https://my.democrats.org/Meet-President-Obama

The comments are deeply disturbing and represent a dark period in our nation’s history. From Jackie Robinson to Jason Collins, organized sports have long helped our country move forward and break down many barriers. While it is sad to be reminded that such views still exist, it is important to remember that with all of the progress we've made, we must remain steadfast in our work for civil rights and social justice.

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today on the passing of Basil Paterson, former New York state Senator and Secretary of State and former Vice Chairman of the Democratic National Committee:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Basil Paterson. His pioneering career was defined by an unwavering pursuit of the ideals for which he fought and the betterment of the community which he loved. Mr. Paterson consistently answered the call to service, displaying savvy and poise in whichever capacity he could best represent the people of New York. Alongside his colleagues in Harlem, he opened doors not just in his home state, but across the nation, for future generations of African American leaders. As a former Vice Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Mr. Paterson’s commitment to inclusion and the expansion of opportunity for all is an indelible legacy on the fabric of our party. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Paterson’s family and friends at this difficult time.”