WASHINGTON —  Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., sent the following letter to Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio:

January 5, 2005

The Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones

1009 Longworth H.O.B.

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative Tubbs Jones:

I am in receipt of your letter that spelled out concerns about the election irregularities in Ohio during the November 2004 election.

The fact that you are from Ohio and that you are a former judge gives great weight and much credibility to the points you cited and to your plea that these issues be addressed by the Congress.

I was particularly moved by your point that it is virtually impossible to get official House consideration of the whole issue of election reform, including these irregularities.

I have concluded that objecting to the electoral votes from Ohio is the only immediate way to bring these issues to light by allowing you to have a two-hour debate to let the American people know the facts surrounding Ohio's election.

I will therefore join you in your objection to the certification of Ohio's electoral votes. Attached is my signature on a copy of your written objection.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer

United States Senator