Law enforcement authorities in Philadelphia were quick to point out a blatant abuse of voters' rights during the November 2008 election. Members of the New Black Panther Party stationed themselves at one polling place, where they intimidated some voters by brandishing a nightstick, wearing military-style uniforms and yelling racial insults.
Justice Department officials began an investigation. So obvious was the evidence that on Jan. 7, an official complaint was issued against three members of the NBPP.
Not long after President Barack Obama took office, the Justice Department, under Attorney General Eric Holder, dropped the complaint. No explanation was provided.
From all accounts - except that of the NBPP, of course - the three party members engaged in conduct that should have been punished. But Holder's Justice Department, with the unspoken support of the White House, decided to ignore the crimes.
Officials of the department's Office of Professional Responsibility announced in August that they would investigate the affair. To date, nothing has been heard about the probe. That has some members of Congress upset - and rightly so. They want answers concerning why voters' rights were not protected.
Congress should demand an explanation from the Justice Department. If the matter is allowed to drag out, it may encourage the NBPP and other radicals to intimidate voters during congressional elections next year.