Pennsylvania Democratic official apologizes for comments about ignoring election laws

A Democratic election official in Pennsylvania offered an impassioned apology Wednesday for claiming “precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country” to justify counting about 600 faulty ballots in defiance of state Supreme Court rulings.

A Democratic election official in Pennsylvania offered an impassioned apology Wednesday for claiming “precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country” to justify counting about 600 faulty ballots in defiance of state Supreme Court rulings. “The passion in my heart got the best of me and I apologize again for that,” Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia said in front of a fiery crowd at a county meeting. “I made a mistake, and because I am an elected official, I am held to a far higher standard than everybody else. So, to the citizens I serve, I apologize, and I will continue to work hard for you and endeavor to not make such a mistake again.” Ellis-Marseglia said she received expletive-laden criticism and death threats following her prior comments. She also said other county employees have been flooded with threats. Throughout her apology, the packed room – which included many supporters of President-elect Donald Trump – heckled Ellis-Marseglia, and some held up signs that said “tyrant.” Others called for her resignation and prosecution and accused her of trying to count illegal votes to help Democrats hold onto a US Senate seat. Her prior comments about flouting court precedent took off on social media and were promoted widely by Trump allies like Elon Musk.