This Day in Republican History 2/04/06

February 4, 1959 President Eisenhower informs Republican leaders of his plan to introduce 1960 Civil Rights Act, despite staunch opposition from many Democrats Following the 1957 Civil Rights Act, Eisenhower introduced another civil rights bill in late 1958, which was his reaction to a violent outbreak of bombings against churches and schools in the South. The 1960 Civil Rights Act introduced penalties to be levied against anybody who obstructed someone’s attempt to register to vote or someone’s attempt to actually vote. A Civil Rights Commission was created. The act enabled federal judges to appoint referees to hear persons claiming that state election officials had denied them the right to register and vote. Southern Democrats either ignored the act or intimidated or murdered blacks couragous enough to file complaints. The act was ineffective and therefore it was necessary for President Lyndon B. Johnson to persuade Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965.