Kucinich, Challenging the 10,000 Republican Democrats For A Day

[G_j]

http://www.youtube.com/v/0WTEhYzEuzs&hl=en

In Ohio's primary election in the 10th Congressional District last week, 10,000 registered Republicans switched their party affiliation on election day and became "Democrats for a Day" - allowing them to try to unseat the one Congressman who has been a national leader on every issue that reflects the core values of real Democrats: Rep. Dennis Kucinich.

10,000 Republicans in one Congressional District! In a race where his opposition was supported by Republican media, Republican contributors, Republican advisors, and a Republican political agenda.

In this special video message from Dennis he explains what happened, why, and how you can help to meet the challenge that will surely be mounted again to put that seat in the Republican "win column" in November.

They tried. They failed. But, they'll try again.

With your support, we stopped them last week. And with your continued help, we can demonstrate in the next 10 days that we intend to stop them in November - but only with your help.

Please contribute.
http://kucinich.us/contribute.html

If issues like the war, not-for-profit health care, NAFTA, jobs, the environment, education, and the Constitution are important to you, please support the strongest, most consistent, most honorable voice in Congress who has the courage to stand with you and fight for what you believe: Dennis Kucinich.

Thank you,
The Re-Elect Congressman Kucinich Committee

[LWolf]

1. K & R n/t

[L. Coyote]

2. Can they be charged with a crime? Was there a criminal conspiracy?

[Kittycat]

3. Yes. It is a crime, punishable by fine and/or time in prison.

[theboss]

4. Cite the statute

It's a crime to switch party affiliation? Does that mean that Senator Webb should be in prison?

[L. Coyote]

6. Is it a false testimony? Or is it unenforcable, since it goes to state of mind?

How can you prove a person was not thinking they were a Dems?

Maybe, by going undercover and getting an admission! Let's start with Bill Bennett!

[theboss]

8. Testimomy?

I don't think an election is what you think an election is.

[Kittycat]

10. No, the only way to prove it though is by admission.

There were reports of several people asking about being able to still vote Puke in the fall, some even blatantly saying that they were there for that purpose. I think most of those reports came from TX, although I remember reading some from DKs district the night of and day after the primary.

[theboss]

13. Prove what?

What is the underlying crime?

You are allowed to switch parties. You are allowed to vote for whoever you want for whatever reason you want.

[Kittycat]

11. No, but it is to do so to falsely attempt to throw an election.

That is what Dennis is going after. I really don't care to look it up, it's been all over DU & DKos. In the kindest way - please search for yourself. I've spent half the night up taking care of my teething child, and I just can't get it up over this issue. It's clear it happened, but I know nothing meaningful will ever come of it - so it's a moot point as far as the past is concerned. I'm sure down the road, tighter regulations will be considered - then again, maybe not. But what was done is done. Three cheers for Rush Limbaugh.

[theboss]

14. That's simply not true

There is no crime here.

[mdmc]

28. NYS has a law against it - Ohio does not

In NYS your party affiliation changes one year after the Board of Elections receives your request.

In Ohio it seems that parties can raid the other parties primary.

[troubleinwinter]

33. You are incorrect. It is called "Election Falsification" in Ohio and is a FELONY.

Please see posts #26 and #30.

That is, on the occasions that the poll workers have been properly trained to abide by Ohio law, provide the proper forms and require signing and submission of them. That's a problem- there is no uniformity across jurisdictions in implementing the code. The state code MUST be equally and uniformly implemented, or why have a fucking code???!!! If the code isn't to be implemented across the jurisdictions, then I hafta get my foil chapeau on and I am sick of that damned foil hat. I want uniform implementation and equal access across the board. I am disgusted that it was done different ways in different areas across one state.

[troubleinwinter]

26. Here is the statute. 'Election Falsification'- a Class 5 Felony.

Election Falsification is a Class 5 Felony.

If you wish to switch party affiliations, you will be given a form, either Form 10-X or Form 10-W, which you must fill out and sign.

Ohio Revised Code 3513.20 states:

Before any challenged person shall be allowed to vote at a primary election, the person shall make a statement, under penalty of election falsification, before one of the precinct officials, blanks for which shall be furnished by the board of elections, giving name, age, residence, length of residence in the precinct, county, and state; stating that the person desires to be affiliated with and supports the principles of the political party whose ballot the person desires to vote; and giving all other facts necessary to determine whether the person is entitled to vote in that primary election. The statement shall be returned to the office of the board with the pollbooks and tally sheets...

"Whoever violates this section is guilty of election falsification, a felony of the fifth degree. A person that commits election falsification can face six to twelve months in prison as well as a $2,500 fine"

This would only apply to those voters who signed the form, however most polling places did not issue them.

Ironically, convicted felons lose their right to vote.

[Kittycat]

29. AND this is interesting...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/12/135554/391

[troubleinwinter]

30. They can start with prosecuting these people:

In Cuyahoga County, dozens and dozens of Republicans scribbled addendums onto their pledges as new Democrats:

"For one day only."

"I don't believe in abortion."

Republican Sherry Newell, crossed over Tuesday after hearing Limbaugh. Newell said she voted for Obama because she thought McCain had a better chance against him.

They HAVE these peoples' names and indicators of falsely signing the pledge.

[mdmc]

43. from what I read here

They would be promising that they want to be "dems". Really, what is the difference between zell miller, joe leibermen, the dlc, and liberal GOP'ers like Christi Whitman, Pataki, or Abe Lincon.

Perhaps they support the dem party of the south...

[orleans]

32. wasn't ohio the state where they had to sign a pledge if they switched parties?

i don't know what county kucinich is in but ...
"16,000 Republicans in Cuyahoga Crossed Over and Voted Democratic in Primary"
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/031008J.shtml

At least one member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections wants to investigate some Republicans who may have crossed party lines only to influence which Democrat would face presumed Republican nominee John McCain in November.

Those who crossed lines were supposed to sign a pledge card vowing allegiance to their new party.

In Cuyahoga County, dozens and dozens of Republicans scribbled addendums onto their pledges as new Democrats:

"For one day only."

"I don't believe in abortion."

A Plain Dealer review of thousands of records showed few of those who switched were challenged by poll workers.

Sandy McNair, a Democratic member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, said Friday that the manipulation of the system was troublesome.

"It's something that concerns me, that I think needs to be looked at further," McNair said. "This is not a structural thing by the Republican Party. If it's a problem at all, it's on an individual level."

Lying on the pledge is a felony, punishable by six to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

[troubleinwinter]

34. Yes.

See post 26 for the Ohio Code #.

Also note L.Coyote's post #16.

"Election Falsification" and other forms of election manipulation of ALL sorts and kinds, including caging, misappropiation of equipment and supplies, poor ballot design, purging, citizenship proofs, etc., etc., etc. must be fought against. It isn't all the voting computer machines, but the sum of the parts of election manipulation and disenfranchisement.

[troubleinwinter]

41. What is your opinion on this?

[elehhhhna]

5. A Limbaugh-lead conspiracy. Bust him first.

[theboss]

9. For what?

I have to ask this from time to time here: What the fuck is wrong with some of the posters here?

[John Kerry VonErich]

24. Unfortunately, thats a negative on that

Since Limbaugh lives in a different state.

[John Kerry VonErich]

7. This is nothing new

Both sides of the fence do it to be honest, especially in California (to my best knowledge). And depending on which state, it's perfectly legal.

[cyclezealot]

12. Possibly Ohio law,

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The jury is out. Each state might not abide by practices of the California election code.?
**
Crossover voting was heavy -- and maybe illegal
**

Would you cross over in a primary (you can pick more than one)? To vote for a candidate you support Because your party's primary was boring To vote for a weaker rival To vote against a candidate you hate Because you aren't loyal to any party Never Created on Mar 8, 2008
View Results
Check our list of crossover voters in your Cuyahoga County community (PDF).
A staggering 16,000-plus Republicans in Cuyahoga County switched parties when they voted in last week's primary.
That includes 931 in Rocky River, 1,027 in Westlake and 1,142 in Strongsville. More than a third of the Republicans in Solon and Bay Village switched. Pepper Pike had the most dramatic change: just under half of its Republicans became Democrats. And some of those who changed - it's difficult to say how many - could be in trouble with the law.

At least one member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections wants to investigate some Republicans who may have crossed party lines only to influence which Democrat would face John McCain in November.

Anyone who crossed lines was supposed to sign a pledge card vowing allegiance to their new party. In Cuyahoga County, dozens and dozens of Republicans scribbled addendums onto their pledges as new Democrats.

http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2008/03/crossover_voting_was_heavy_and.html

[G_j]

15. 16,000-plus

that's a lot!

[cyclezealot]

17. As the Press story said

they signed a pledge to their new party. I hate meaningless laws. Either enforce it or get rid of it. THink Rush Limbugh ( who worked for Republican votes against Kucinich.) would sign the pledge if he could have strolled into a Kucinich precinct and voted for Republican clone, Mr. Cimperman in the Democratic primary.

[bean fidhleir]

38. Ah, but you don't understand - they added a SIGNING STATEMENT

which makes anything else on the form null and void. Just ask BushCo.

[L. Coyote]

16. Compare Cross-over names with Repug contributors, McCain volunteers, etc.

and you will have proof of crimes by Rs and by McCain staff, I bet!

Where does who vote? Start at the top with people who have actual functions in the Republican party, on the election day and on the next day.

That easy!! :rofl:

[theboss]

18. What crimes?

This is not illegal.

[cyclezealot]

19. see post 12 please

for Kucinich to overcome those 10,000 votes who tried to meddle in a Democratic primary only demonstrates his popularity. I thought the Republican vote in the 10th district GOP race pretty small. I did not think Republicans THAT outnumbered. Like 30,000 GOP voters voted in their House Primary.

[theboss]

21. I did. And there is no way that pledge is enforceable

That will be thrown out in a heartbeat.

[John Kerry VonErich]

22. I need to see the law itself before any judgement is made.

Although this is another example of why we need election reform besides redistricting.

[troubleinwinter]

27. It is a Class 5 Felony, and here is the Ohio code. Up to a year in prison + $2,500

Election Falsification is a Class 5 Felony.

If you wish to switch party affiliations, you will be given a form, either Form 10-X or Form 10-W, which you must fill out and sign.

Ohio Revised Code 3513.20 states:

Before any challenged person shall be allowed to vote at a primary election, the person shall make a statement, under penalty of election falsification, before one of the precinct officials, blanks for which shall be furnished by the board of elections, giving name, age, residence, length of residence in the precinct, county, and state; stating that the person desires to be affiliated with and supports the principles of the political party whose ballot the person desires to vote; and giving all other facts necessary to determine whether the person is entitled to vote in that primary election. The statement shall be returned to the office of the board with the pollbooks and tally sheets...

"Whoever violates this section is guilty of election falsification, a felony of the fifth degree. A person that commits election falsification can face six to twelve months in prison as well as a $2,500 fine"

[L. Coyote]

40. So, anyone employed by the R Party, or an R campaign on the day before AND the day after is a FELON!

simple enuf

[hootinholler]

20. This is why I question Hillaries win in Ohio. n/t

[Zorra]

23. 10,000 fascists switch parties to get rid of DK. Dennis is a true American hero for sure.

:headbang:

[Fireweed247]

25. Dennis is the best!

but he won his primary anyway- who cares what the GOP does, they didn't have the power they thought. And I wish people would stop playing into the idea that Rush Limbaugh has any power. They probably were actually stealing votes and used him as the excuse.

Dennis needs to get over the poor me and get back to work. He promised Articles of Impeachment of Bush and the State of the Union. Months later he has still not introduced it and he is leaving the country for a month long vacation.
I don't understand this.

[cyclezealot]

31. You sure . Kucinich never takes a vacation.

Is Congress in session. If he were to. with his 12 years of service. And a 93% attendence record, that would have to be first.

[troubleinwinter]

35. Hahahahahah!!!!! Yer funny! Or not.

[New Dawn]

37. Unfortunately, right-wingers succeeded in using the same trick against Cynthia McKinney.

[G_j]

39. they sure did

fortunately, in this case it didn't quite work.

[New Dawn]

36. K&R for Kucinich!

[Breeze54]

42. Wow! Click on my signature!

"10,000 registered Republicans switched their party affiliation on election day
and became "Democrats for a Day" - allowing them to try to unseat" Dennis Kucinich!

Thanks for the article and the link to the video, G_j

:kick: & Recommended

[Breeze54]

44. Kicking for the day crew!

:kick:

Please donate whatever you can afford, if you can.

Thanks.