Dem Rep. Axne invokes Civil War while trying to defend HR 1

While speaking to the press after a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, was asked what she would say to the critics of H.R. 1, the sweeping election overhaul bill that is the top legislative issue for the Democrats.

Axne said to the reporter from the Iowa Torch that Democrats were "not necessarily federalizing election law," as there’s a lot that states do in that regard, and that the "only thing" her party wants "to see done in the House is that elections are fair and voters are not suppressed." "And unfortunately, tactics are being taken right now that are doing those two things," Axne said. "So, you know, I certainly want states to be able to do what they need to do for fair and safe elections. But if we’re seeing dismantling of that in the states, then it is time that we look at that at a federal level because we’re all in this together."