DDoS attacks target anti-discrimation campaign sites

In the final days of the election season, representatives of two anti-discrimination campaigns in Florida and California have confirmed that they were both targeted Wednesday night and Thursday morning by denial-of service attacks.

Representatives for Florida's No on 2 campaign confirmed to BetaNews Thursday afternoon that trouble with their Web site has been traced to a denial of service attack launched yesterday. A similar attack hit California's No on Prop 8 site, as confirmed in a press release.

Both sites are major fundraising vectors for the campaign efforts, which aim to stop discriminatory language concerning marriage from entering their respective states' lawbooks. Both campaigns have been extraordinarily fierce, with the California effort on track to be the costliest race in the nation not involving a seat in the Oval Office.

The attack hit at a particularly sensitive time, since fundraising in Florida must conclude tonight at midnight.

"The Internet is the quickest means our supporters have to donate and help defeat this unnecessary amendment," said Derek Newton, Florida Red & Blue Campaign Manager. "Every minute our site is down not only loses us money but costs us votes."

As of midafternoon Thursday, both sites had successfully fought off the attacks and were back online. Representatives for No on Prop 8 say that no personal data was breached in the assault. Federal authorities are investigating.