In Alaska, Dems AND Republicans to sue over write-in lists

[Blue_In_AK]

From the Anchorage Daily News:

http://www.adn.com/2010/10/25/1517740/dems-republicans-to-sue-over-write.html

The state's Democratic and Republican parties are planning to sue over the decision by Alaska elections officials to provide voters who ask with a list of write-in candidates.

Sarah Mouracade, a spokeswoman for the Democrats' coordinated campaign, says attorneys will seek a restraining order this morning to halt the practice.

Both parties believe the providing of lists is unfair, with Democrats having alleged that election officials are trying to influence the outcome of the U.S. Senate race by providing the list. The director of the division of elections has viewed the practice as consistent with officials' obligation to provide voter assistance.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski is running as a write-in after her loss in the GOP primary to Joe Miller, the nominee backed by the state Republican party.

[Tatiana]

1. A list of write-in candidates could be infinite. Who would compile the list?

How would you decide what names went on the list? What about Mickey Mouse? Would he get on the list too?

I think the parties are correct to sue.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. We had one instance here in the early voting

where a poll worker in Eagle River was asked how to do a write-in. The poll worker looked around to make sure no one was listening, pointed to the line under the Senate race, and said "You can fill in Lisa Murkowski right here." In Homer, several early ballots had to be set aside because the list of write-in candidates was posted INSIDE THE VOTING BOOTHS, behind the curtains. Lisa Murkowski is one conniving little princess, and I hope she gets the socks beat off her. At this point, I'd almost rather see Joe Miller win for all the dirty tricks Lisa has been trying.

Of course, I'm a strong supporter of Scott McAdams and hope that we can beat these two schemers outright without a prolonged court battle after the election.

[Arctic Dave]

3. K&R. This needs to be in LBN.

[Blue_In_AK]

4. Thanks, Dave.

I'll put it over there. Is this the most bizarre election you've ever seen here? I mean, I've been through a lot of strange, weird election cycles, but this one really takes the cake.

[Arctic Dave]

5. This definitely going down in the history books.

Mr. Whitekeys could make a novel out of this. ;)