Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, both Republicans, are singled out in particular for ignoring "mounting evidence" of problems with outdated voting technology in a number of counties, and for ignoring requests for guidance and assistance from local elections officials.

CNN: Report: Florida 'grossly derelict' in 2000 vote

The overwhelming consensus seems to be that the office is severely underfunded and dysfunctional, has too few examiners, has inferior outdated technology and is helplessly backlogged with over 800, 000 unprocessed patent applications.

FORBES: A Message To Congress: Keep Your Hands Off The Patent Office

Deputy Sillars said the problem with the speed at which technology was moving meant any investment had to ensure it would be not become outdated very quickly.

BBC: Caroline Bowker