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Rush Limbaugh and Voter Fraud
Rush Limbaugh is not going to be prosecuted for this. Let me explain, but first the money quotes:
In case you missed it, Rush Limbaugh, the nation's top-rated talk radio host, was urging Republicans in Texas and Ohio to skip their party's primary on March 4 and instead cast a vote for Hillary Clinton in order to prolong the fight between her and Barack Obama. And that Tuesday, as media in both states reported, thousands of Republicans did just what Limbaugh and others had suggested -- they changed parties to vote for Clinton.
...
While this all makes for great talk radio and sounds like fun, there is one catch: What Limbaugh encouraged Republican voters to do in Ohio was a fifth-degree felony in that state, punishable with a $2,500 fine and six to 12 months in jail. That is because in order to change party affiliation in Ohio, voters have to fill out a form swearing allegiance to that party's principles "under penalty of election falsification."
This needs some clarification. What Limbaugh did was emphatically not a crime under the pertinent Ohio law. Voting under false pretenses might be a problem. But encouraging someone to vote under false pretenses would have to be an allegation of conspiracy or even a federal prosecution under RICO. (although election engineering does not appear to be a RICO activity).
To call this a stretch is a gross exaggeration. This is the longest of long shots. Any prosecution would have to delve into the state of Limbaughs mind and whether he thought that folks would actually do what he told them. And that without any power of coercion over them at all! Tough to convict.
Limbaugh won't be indicted. No prosecutor will touch it. All this is is one slow news day and a liberal wild fantasy. From Kim Zetter at Wired, it's highly unlikely that even the actual voters can be prosecuted:
First of all, the law pertains only to a voter who was challenged by poll workers as to his sincerity and signed an affidavit swearing to that sincerity. The secretary of state's office told me that poll workers are supposed to have anyone who switches parties at the polls sign such a statement. The Cleveland Plain Dealer also reported that any voter who switches parties must sign an affidavit...
...But even those who did sign a statement and did so disingenuously would likely not face prosecution, Tokaji says, unless they were blatant about what they did, such as bragging online about it, and could be identified.
Good luck with that.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 3)Katie126311:38PMMar 22nd 2008
Gee Dave,
What you don't seem to realize is that more Republicans voted for Barack Obama in Texas and Ohio than voted for Hillary Clinton.So that blows all kinds of holes in your theory. Have you been under a rock this past week? Barack Obama has been called out because of his strong ties with Pastor Wright. There are several videos showing The pastor's racist anto-american rants in his church sermons. Perhaps you need to go view one of the tapes.Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72B3tUAqpo4
Larry11:46PMMar 22nd 2008
Spitzer resigned...maybe Limpbaugh shoud be fired. Nobody with an ounce of common sense and more moral convictions than ax murderer would listen to a word that this disgusting piece of bodily waste fluid has to say, anyway.
Larry12:10AMMar 23rd 2008
I may not use the words you do, but I will have to say that I do agree with most of your message. The man has a pastor who is an obvious racist. We all know if this was reversed a white candidate wouldn't have a chance. I don't blame the black voters as I understand that they would vote for a black lab. The whites are blowing my mind. And I am absolutely fed up with the republicans!
===========
His pastor isn't running for anything. Your vote is your business, but basing your vote on what his pastor said is just plain stupid. My guess is that you are a Limbaugh fan (if you are not, then I opologize): He lies daily, and you guys drink it down like cherry coke...which is your right as an American citizen. Obama is not a muslim (and would support him even if he was. Islam, just like christianity and Judaism..just as most of the major religions of the world are legitimate, and mostly peaceful. Just as all americans don't bomb abortion clinics, all muslims (in both cases, only a tiny percentage are)most muslims are not insugents or terrorists.
I will reserve my final decision until get into the voting booth, but as it stands right now, I will vote Obamaa, not because he is black (I'm a 60 yr. old white male) or because of his religious preference (I'm non-denominational)but because he is,IMHO, the only one running that will lead us into a new direction (as much different from the Bush/(Bill & Hillay)Clinton mold of divide and conquer, as you can get. Which I am covinced is PRECISELY WHAT WE NEED.
David S.12:12AMMar 23rd 2008
I live in Ohio, and indeed some (most, I would bet) Republicans voted only to cause problems for Democrats. Some were interviewed in the newspapers here and on the local TV stations. Most were honest and stated they did just that. Committed voter fraud.
This from the party of "family values" and grandstanding about what good Christians they are.
Go figure.
Larry12:21AMMar 23rd 2008
David S.,
Regardless of party preference, would you not agree that it(which ever side that does it) is "dirty pool". The framers of our constitution (I believe) had in mind that you shuld vote FOR SOMETHING, not to circumvent the will of a particular voting block..be they democratic or republican.
John12:31AMMar 23rd 2008
If this is the straw that breaks the camels back and finally exposes El Busho for what he is, it's been time well spent having him around. Would it not be complete justice to have this bufoon spend some time in jail? Can't think of anyone who deserves a lesson more.
tom1:48AMMar 23rd 2008
From what I have read
by journalists who have listened
to the tapes
they state the facts
in the end will be shown to be true
How come whites are so bothered
when they are called racists?
Did someone burn the history books?
Only when we take responsibility
for what we have done
will we forgive ourselves
as it is
we can deny all we want
and blame the other guy
but notice the hatred
coming out
Did anyone listen to Limbaugh
years ago when he started?
Someone should get his tapes
and broadcast them
and what about the 20 million
that swear by Limbaugh
not only listen to him
but salute him
What about that?
Why do whites have the right to
hate
but no one else can do it?
Why is that?
Why do whites feel so superior?
when they demonstrate
such ignorance and intolerance
Funny how so many can
swear by the man of hate
and then turn that hate on one
who has the guts to tell it like it is
That is more than intolerance
it is evil
And really of no surprise
considering source
Darth Kirk2:21AMMar 23rd 2008
Idiots like ART CHURCHWELL are very quick to point out the shortcomings of their opposing political party, but of COURSE are blind to the repugnant display of moral ineptitude and immorality of his own Republican party, be it Boozer Limbaugh's drug addiction, Clown Bush's incomprehensible presidential 'candor', Repulsive Cheney's purposeful lies for the push into a war with Iraq, or Larry Craig's solicitation of penis in a bathroom stall, whilst he vehemently talks against the gay lifestyle. Hypocrites and liars will have their last rights in hell, Art will probably join them.
tzada2:50AMMar 23rd 2008
Voter fraud eh? What about election fraud at the local registration office?
When I went to register for first time, and wanted to register Republican they said, "but dear, there are not enough Republicans for you to really get a say in elections. You should register "Democrat" Now trying to convince me to go against what party I wanted was just wrong.
Years later in 2008, I arrived at the polls ready to cast my ballot for a Republican, and was told I was a registered Democrat. Huh?
What lil elf got in the system and switched me? It was early morning when I voted, but the poll workers told me I was the 2nd person that day it happened to. So Democratic party fraud, computer glitch whatever. But not voter fraud like David Knowles accused me of.
See his posts to me below.
david knowles10:25AMMar 18th 2008
tzada,
Looking back on your comments over the past few months, I see that you've spent all your time bashing either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. You say you're a Republican who voted for Obama, but that you'd vote for Hillary if there was a re-vote. Funny, that. Florida has a closed primary, meaning that only registered Democrats can vote for Democratic candidates.
It's not surprising to learn that you are a fraud.
david knowles10:47AMMar 18th 2008
tzada,
So you're now a Democrat, or you deceived the election office? Which is it? Give your real name, and I'll check the voter rolls.
David on Wither White Males called white men honky dudes. That is just as racial as the N word. In his own words "be that Wisconsin's honky dude population isn't as open to a female commander-in-chief "
Attacks on posters accusing them of lying and fraud is way out of line, as is his honky dude. If I remember right a honky is a white man looking for a ho.
Cecil Jones4:07AMMar 23rd 2008
If a person like Joe Lieberman pledges to support the Party's principles and accepts Democratic cash, does RICO apply? He has committed fraud and this should be punishable by the full extent of the law with all funds raised returned to the DNC. This could prevent such an action from being repeated by Hillary or Barack this year. What we are facing is a "Ned Lamont." The loser could use their newfound glory and the Democratic money to defeat the party with it's own funds. What a slap in the face to Democrats. An internal infection was used to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. What is the Democratic Leadership doing to prevent such a slap? We don't need to look at the motivations to know this is a crime. It's fraud and it a RICO. Really it could occur.
Dottie5:02AMMar 23rd 2008
What is RICO?
Sherri9:32AMMar 23rd 2008
Dottie..........
If u don't know what RICO is, plz don't vote..
tzada11:10AMMar 23rd 2008
Dottie5:02AMMar 23rd 2008
What is RICO?
Sherri9:32AMMar 23rd 2008
Dottie..........
If u don't know what RICO is, plz don't vote..
_______________________________________________________
From me: Don't know whose side either one of you are on. But there is no such thing as a stupid question. But there is such a thing as a rude blogger. Why not be nice and answer her question?
http://usinfo.state.gov/eap/Archive_Index/rico.html
RICO -- the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act -- is a federal statute originally enacted in 1970 to control organized crime (such as the Mafia). In the early 1990s, however, this law was expanded to target non-traditional organized crime groups.
The statute makes it unlawful to conduct or conspire to conduct an enterprise whose activities affect interstate commerce by committing or agreeing to commit a pattern of racketeering activity.
DavesRaves11:47AMMar 23rd 2008
LARRY- YOU SAY LIMBAUGH LIES DAILY. WHAT DO YOU BASE THAT ON? GIVE ME SOME EXAMPLES. I LISTEN TO HIM AND OTHER CONSERVATIVE TALK SHOWS DURING MY TRAVELS, AND I HAVE YET TO NOTICE HIM LYING.
WITH THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO LISTEN TO HIM, I DON'T THINK LYING WOULD BE GOOD FOR HIS CAREER.
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS LISTEN TO LIMBAUGH, HANNITY, AND THE LIKE, TO GET THE FACTS THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA WON'T TELL US.
THE MEDIA IN THIS COUNTRY DISCOVERED YEARS AGO THAT THEY CAN INFLUENCE ELECTIONS BY WHAT THEY REPORT, WHAT THEY DON'T REPORT, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY REPORT IT. WHEN I HEARD ABOUT IT YEARS AGO, I STARTED TO LOOK FOR IT. I'D WATCH BROKAW, RATHER, AND JENNINGS, TO NAME A FEW. THEN I'D WATCH FOX NEWS, AND LISTEN TO LIMBAUGH AND HANNITY. THE DIFFERENCES WERE AMAZINGLY OBVIOUS.
OUR SOLDIERS IN IRAQ WONDER WHY THE MEDIA ONLY REPORT THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE WAR, AND NOT ANY OF THE POSITIVE RESULTS THEY HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THERE.
MOST OF THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FOX NEWS, HAVE AN AGENDA. IT IS BASICALLY TO FURTHER THE CAUSE OF LIBERAL GOVERNMENT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, WHILE TRYING TO SQUELCH THE CONSERVATIVE VALUES THAT MADE OUR COUNTRY THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH. SINCE MOST OF THE LIBERAL POLITICIANS RESIDE IN THE DEMOCRAT PARTY, WHILE YOU'LL FIND MOST CONSERVATIVES ARE REPUBLICANS, YOU CAN TELL WHO THE MEDIA WILL LEAN TOWARD IN THEIR REPORTING.
WE HAVE A SERIOUS COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTRY. DON'T BE SWAYED BY WHAT LIMBAUGH CALLS THE "DRIVE-BY MEDIA". WATCH FOX NEWS. THEY BEAT THE OTHER NEWS OUTLETS IN THE RATINGS, AND WITH GOOD REASON. YOU'LL GET MORE BALANCED REPORTING, WITH BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENTS. HANNITY AND COLMES IS A GOOD PLACE TO START.
THIS ELECTION MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT IN MODERN HISTORY. OUR VERY WAY OF LIFE, AND THE FREEDOMS WE ENJOY ARE AT RISK.
buckskin7113:36PMMar 23rd 2008
i used to hate rush limbaugh, but if you want some truths about obama, hes got them...and so does hannity and oreilly...thanks guys, we still live in a democracy {i think}...if voters crossed the line and voted for hillary it was because even they dont support the racist obama either..the truth is, the media wasnt doing their jobs not asking the media darling obama before half the country voted. thanks to them, obama is ahead, but not for long because lots more garbage has yet to be reported on..hannity will be on it and so will rush.
tom4:31PMMar 23rd 2008
Did anyone else
notice
that the faults
of Obama
are the faults
of others
Now take Jesus
who immersed himself
among the sinners
that was great
so something
is wrong here
I think it is
because the replublicans
are terrified of Obama
they know he will win
Clinton can be beat
Obama cannot be beat
mwatt7:44PMMar 23rd 2008
Please let's be serious. Have Hillary and Obama asked for repbulicans to Cross Over to a more sensitive side of politics and join the democrats. If people want to vote they can vote for whomever and what party they wish. I think it's funny
Jaki Baez8:40PMMar 23rd 2008
tzada- it is fine. I remember that you were a republican in the beginning because I scolded you a few times- welcome to the progressive democrat and bless you for considering Hillary. It takes guts for a person to switch parties- I was once a republican back in 1991 and I switched parties- so don't listen to others on this blog- Sooner or later the Obama truth will reveal him and they will feel foolish voting for him. I wonder how can a man bring his young daughters to listen to that haterd bigot minister is beyond me,
tom8:45PMMar 23rd 2008
pLAGERIZED HERE
Last week, however, when a newly published book by Jerry Oppenheimer titled State of a Union alleged that Hillary herself had made a profane and bigoted remark, no prominent liberal stepped forward to demand that the First Lady undergo sensitivity training or that she be fined and suspended as the Democratic candidate for New York's-open U.S, Senate seat.
Citing three named witness, Oppenheimer writes that Hillary called Paul Fray, who worked on Bill Clinton's failed 1974 congressional campaign, a "f-ing Jew bastard." Hillary and the President vehemently deny the accusation.
In addition to Fray, Oppenheimer cites as sources Fray's wife, Mary Lee Fray, and another Clinton campaign aide named Neil McDonald.
"By three a.m., it was all over: Clinton had lost by a mere six thousand votes. He, Hillary, and Fray went back to Fayetteville in their cars; Addington went home to nurse his sorrow in silence. The others, though, particularly Hillary and Paul, were cut from a different cloth. When in doubt, slug it out.
"The minute Paul walked into the back room at the Fayetteville headquarters that night, Hillary hit him between the eyes. She was angrier than Paul had ever seen her.
"'You f-ing Jew bastard!' she screamed.
"Hillary had cursed him out plenty of items before. But this was the first time she had used a religious slur, and it hit hard. Tt was not something he would ever forget. `I promise you it happened. It created a chasm I never really overcame,' he said.
"Paul Fray was actually a Baptist-later on he would train for the seminary at Ouachita Baptist University. But his father was Jewish, the son of immigrants, and Paul was very proud of his roots. `You don't talk about my forefathers. I come from Cohens (the high priests, in Jewish law). My dad used to tell me, "Son, do you realize what we are, what tribe we're from? You need to understand, that's your heritage."'
"His immediate reaction, of course, was to explode back. ' "You can't talk to me like that." I let her know that in no uncertain terms.' Bill Clinton, Mary Lee, and campaign worker Neil McDonald were also in the room at-the time. Both Mary Lee Fray and Neil McDonald confirmed Paul Fray's account.
" `Yeah, it happened,' acknowledged McDonald years later. `Heat of the moment and all that. You have to realize where Hillary's from. And Paul does have some Jewish in his background.'
"The fight raged on, with McDonald posted at the door to keep out curious staffers. According to various reports, a few ashtrays were heaved, the blue language flew, as Paul and Hillary blamed each other for everything that had gone wrong in the campaign. Mary Lee, defending her husband, brought up some of the problems with Bill and women; Bill for the most part was quiet, letting Hillary handle the combat.
"In the end, exhausted, everyone filed out quietly-there was nothing more to say. The chance of any further working relationship between the Frays and the Clintons had pretty much been reduced to ashes.
"But Hillary's attack on Paul's Judaism would continue to reverberate. There had been too many witnesses for it not to get out.
"'I never asked Bill point-blank about"that statement back then, because it really wounded the s[-] out of me," said Paul. `He thought it was one of those things, you blow off, you go on. I've heard him say, "If anything-:was wrong, forgotten and forgiven, no big deal, heat of the moment. A pretty violent exchange occurred-so what.",
"But for Paul, the cut went too deep to forget: `Hillary can be a sweet girl, but she knows damn well that has wounded me for years. I'll go to my grave with it.'
"One nasty epithet, slung in anger, hardly defines a person. And Hillary has always had a tendency, when enraged; to go for the gut. . . ."
-State of a Union, by Jerry Oppenheimer pp,153-156
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ART CHURCHWELL10:07PMMar 22nd 2008
SWEAR TO DEM PARTY PRICIPLES?? YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SWEAR TO DEM PRINCIPLES, WHILE SPITZER (AKA: JOHNNY WHORE BAGS) DEMONSTRATES THE ROTTEN CORE OF THE DEM PARTY? RUSH ACCOMPLISHES MUCH IN ORDER TO WIN. THE DEM PARTY IN OHIO CAN WHINE ALL THEY WANT:
WE GOTCHA!!