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Gearing up for problems at polls

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor October 31, 2008 11:02 AM

The campaigns already have hundreds of lawyers lined up and are primed to aggressively address voting irregularities on Tuesday.

Today, John McCain's camp launched what it calls the "Honest and Open Election hotline" to help voters find their polling place and report fraud, intimidation, even violence. The phone hotline is at 866-976-VOTE.

"The hotline will allow us to learn about and take steps toward remedying any voter irregularities at polling places across the country. While we are hopeful that Election Day will be free of any wrongdoing, allies of the Democrat Party, such as ACORN, have shown a willingness to commit fraud in both this election cycle and in 2004. Given the tightness of the polls, all examples of fraud must be addressed to preserve the integrity of the election," McCain's national political director Mike DuHaime said in a statement.

Democrat Barack Obama and ACORN, the community activist group that has registered about 450,000 new voters, has accused McCain and Republicans of trying to suppress turnout with their allegations of registration fraud.

Both sides are worried about possible voting problems, given the hanging-chad history of 2000, the huge flood of first-time voters, and the expected long lines. The Globe reported on Monday that a recent study listed a dozen states with a high probability of significant problems.


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The republicans have a lot of nerve saying they are afraid of voter fraud on Tues. when they stole the last two elections. People are really afraid that they will once again tamper with the computers and say they won with "God's" help. Who can trust anything they do as they are such power mongers and unethical and I believe they will stop at nothing to keep their control. George Bush and the party were certainly willing to do anything to "win" an election!

Posted by Cathy Shea October 31, 08 11:49 AM
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Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! For DuHaime to imply that "Democratic allies" were responsible for voting irregularities in 2004 when we know what went on in Ohio with the governor and the Diebold machines and the theft of the 2000 election by Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris... geez, this guy has chutzpah to even open his mouth!

Posted by Robert Reppy October 31, 08 11:50 AM
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Both sides should have formed independent commissions and addressed this after 2000. Instead they keep playing games like the FL Repubs messing with the Dem primary.

Posted by F Incumbents October 31, 08 12:10 PM
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the entire system is a fraud.
florida and massechusetts. fraud.
defense department fraud.
the entire bush administration is a fraud
the patriot act is a fraud
ameriKa is a fraud.

Posted by walter carroll October 31, 08 12:13 PM
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We here in Arkansas are already hearing about people that has been dead for years are voting. So i do believe there will be alot of problems on November 4th.
Also herd that there were alot of illegal aliens voting.
All this is going to do is cause a major delay in the election wich could have been avoided had every one not been so worried about who will win

Posted by Sharon October 31, 08 12:21 PM
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Is this another political game the Republicans are trying to play? Stop this because we will rebunk any move they make.

Rufus

Posted by Rufus Kortee Moiseemah October 31, 08 12:24 PM
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Sorry, I'm a bit cynical about McCain's hotline. From what I've seen from his campaign, so far, I would tend to believe this would be more of a witch hunt. Boo.

Posted by MGN October 31, 08 12:25 PM
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As a voter and a very serious voter, I am appaled to the fact we do not have to show identification when we vote. The lady told me it was against N.C. law to ask for ID. She said I had just signed my name and IF I was challanged and I lied they could put me in jail. I asked her who would challange me? This is all wrong. We should have to show ID to vote and we should have to prove we are an American citizen to regester to vote. Get this picture-- I have to show my picture ID to get into Sam's Wearhouse. Sad isn't it that America has come to protecting the evil ones and chastise the good Americans. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DRIVE OUT EVIL.

Posted by Peggy Valentine October 31, 08 12:27 PM
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Excerpted below is from today's Drudge Report. If Obama is elected then get used to a lot more payback like this. And if you ask President Obama a hard inquisitive question then YOUR background will be investigated (ala Joe the Plumber). If this is the kind of Nixonian presidency you want then go right ahead and vote for him.

"Journalists from three major newspapers that endorsed John McCain -- the Washington Times, the New York Post and the Dallas Morning News -- have been booted from Barack Obama's campaign plane for the final leg of the presidential race.

The Washington Times reported Friday that it was notified of the Obama campaign's decision Thursday evening -- even though the paper has covered Obama from the start.

Executive Editor John Solomon told FOXNews.com that the Obama campaign said it didn't have enough seats on the plane, but "I don't think the explanation makes sense to us."

"We've been traveling since 2007 with him.... We're a relevant newspaper -- every day we break news," Solomon said. "And to suddenly be kicked off the plane for people who haven't covered it as aggressively or thoroughly as we are ... it sort of feels unfair."

He said the newspaper protested but was turned down again by the campaign.

"I can only hope that the candidate who describes himself as wanting to unite the nation doesn't have some sort of litmus test for who he decides gets to cover the campaign," Solomon said, noting that the Obama campaign's decision came just two days after the paper endorsed McCain.

According to the Web site The Drudge Report, the three newspapers' reporters were told to find alternative transportation by Sunday so that the plane could accommodate "network bigwigs" and reporters from two black magazines, Essence and Jet.

Posted by pa voter whose vote is worth more than in ma October 31, 08 12:29 PM
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I would never trust a republican voter hotline. Call that with irregularities if you expect them to never see the light of day.

Posted by agnes October 31, 08 12:30 PM
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The recounts were overseen by a bi-partisan group. The republicans did not steal anything. If the democratic canditate was any good, more people would have voted for him/them. As a republican - I voted for Kerry, and was disapointed he did not win. As I was also dissapointed that he was not able to beat a candidate who was proven to be unqualified for the job. That's Kerry's fault, not Bush's or the republicans. Enough conspiracy theories! Just like in sports, you can always get a couple bad calls, but in the end, the better team usually wins.

Posted by JonW October 31, 08 12:32 PM
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So what is going to happen when one side or the other wins by voter fraud ? As if they would hold another election. Who ever wins on Tuesday, will be the President regardless of the circumstances. The attorneys are on board to get their cut of the pie. Like what the hell are they going to do other than send Bills !!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by vincentvango October 31, 08 12:36 PM
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obamma is a corrupt chicago politician. Of course there will be fraud. The real question is: Will there be enough fraud for obamma to 'win' this election.

BTW Do those of you accusing Bush of voter fraud have any actual evidence? I didn't think so.

Posted by Bill from Ill October 31, 08 12:39 PM
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The chickens will come home to roost. What the Democrates have done in illegally registering voters will hurt them more than Republicans down the road. You reap what you sow.

Posted by Jimmy October 31, 08 12:40 PM
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Have there ever been proven voting irregularities in the past? If not, then lean back and relax.

Posted by Erik October 31, 08 12:40 PM
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Anyone who believes the mindless drivel that Obama is spewing needs to listen to Rush Limbaugh and get their mind cleansed. If you really want higher taxes and bigger government(more hand outs) then Obama is your man. How anyone in their right mind could want this is beyond me. God help us.

Posted by Hugh October 31, 08 12:40 PM
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LETS STICK WITH THE ISSUES AND VOTE WITH YOURE HEART

Posted by JOHN MARSCH October 31, 08 12:40 PM
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McCain disgusts me more every day.

Let's ALL keep our eyes open, and report stuff to whichever side you're on.

Maybe we can all agree that we need a legitimate election right now.

Posted by Bud October 31, 08 12:44 PM
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The whole Republican Party is a "FRAUDE"! After 8 years America is in deep "sh...t" . To vote for McCain can be only a prove that Americans are not intelligent at all . What is going on with our Nation! Obam should win with a 90%! I can not believe that we are not yet aware how the whole World hate us! abnd is because of the Republicain Party = Bush. McCain..just go home and retire you think that the best for our country is to fight with every single dictator in this world and that is certainly not the solution in this 21st century . God bless America! go and VOTE!!!! but vote for the well being and the respect America used to have! used to have

Posted by Carlation Somocurcio October 31, 08 12:45 PM
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Okay Sharon.... you you spelled just about everything you wrote incorrectly. Do you know how to read? or are you the kind of person that voted for Bush twice? Don't you think it's important who wins?

Posted by Jeremy October 31, 08 12:45 PM
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To say that the Repblicans stole the elections in 2000 and 2004 shows ignorance beyond most peoples scope. The Democrats had each vote counted by independant group and found that bush won by even a larger margin. And lets not forget it was a democrat who implemented those voting machines in the first place. It wasn't even close in 2004 all together. So please stop crying like babies and get over it. the only party that has shown a willingness to alter votes is the Democratic Party who tries to eliminate the votes from our troops overseas, talk about a discrace.

Posted by matt October 31, 08 12:46 PM
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uh, unless you guys are just pretending to have not figured this out yet, the m.o. of the gop is to preemptively accuse others of what they themselves are doing or about to do. this puts the other side automatically in a defensive position. say that unlike the liberal media you're in the no spin zone, then spin the heck out of it. accuse the other guys of taking care of their rich friends before the american people, then take care of your rich friends and ignore the american people. call others unpatriotic, then tear apart the constitution. say you're worried about the other guys tampering with the vote, then steal the election. why should this come as a surprise? why should we even blink at this point? this has been going on for years and continues to go on. it's their strategy, and since about half of the population can't use critical analysis to see through this farce, it basically works.

Posted by dcc October 31, 08 12:47 PM
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There was an independent commission started after 2000. It was headed by Jimmy Carter and a republican whose name I can't remember.

They made a ton of recommendations for how to help prevent election fraud. Not many have been implemented.

Posted by Matt October 31, 08 12:47 PM
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"honest and open election hotline"? what a joke. republicans have gone to federal prison for their "honest and open" tactics before; providing incorrect information to callers regarding voting times and districts, hiring "ghetto" sounding males to call households and urge them to vote democrat, assembling rent-a-cops in front of voting areas in urban neighborhoods, the list goes on. my site www.slaughterhaus.com goes more in-depth about this bullshit, but for now, lets just hope that george bush doesn't get "elected" for the third time.

www. slaughterhaus.com

Posted by SLAUGHTERhaus October 31, 08 12:48 PM
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Sharon,

Your sources on the dead rising from the grave? Please let us know.

In general the ACORN issue is laughable - it isn't voter fraud, it's allegations of voter registration fraud. But even then, it's not true because even the Republican attorney prosecuting the largest case involving ACORN so far in Washington admits that it isn't fraud - it's more like employee shopflifting as a small group of ACORN hirelings are submitting bogus registrations in order to get paid more (they are paid according to how many new registrations they get.) At most this is a case of shoplifting along with poor administrative control. It isn't organized fraud and it most certainly has nothing to do with the Democrats or Obama. The Republican spin machine is doing its' best to hold back as many potential Democratic voters as possible and the ACORN allegations are just part of that.

For shame John McCain and RNCC - cheating Americans out of their right to vote is about as low as it gets in the political game.

Posted by GPaul October 31, 08 12:49 PM
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The only way McCain/Palin can win is to steal the election - it is not beyond the republicans to steal elections (2000) - This time they play a very dangerous game because I believe fraud and suppression on their part will cause an outcry of the American people that this country has not witnessed since it's independence. . I am very worried about what the republicans will do this time. McCain/Palin have no honor and are untrustworthy - they continue to lower the bar in political campaign ethics - there is nothing they won't do to win - including trying to steal the election.

Posted by Cyn October 31, 08 12:50 PM
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The Republicans have a lot more to worry about than voting irregularities. Like Virginia, Ohio, etc.

Posted by Perry Rogers October 31, 08 12:51 PM
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Wow Sharon, I really believe what you say when you cannot even spell or use correct diction. Any illegal alien that can manage to vote must be more intelligent than anybody who believes Acorn has committed voter fraud (I guess by following regulations they are breaking some laws).

Posted by Jesse October 31, 08 12:51 PM
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Goodness! The wailings and lamentations of the woeful left that STILL believe the elections of 2000 and 2004 were stolen. You all simply refuse to accept that you are truly the vocal minority, thusly, unable to believe that that many American people are "stupid" enough to vote for Bush, not once.... but twice!.
So tell me something, Dems, if Obama loses (however big or small), will you, yet again, cry "FOUL" and lay claims of another stolen election? LOL!

Posted by David October 31, 08 12:53 PM
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It's beem proved acorn has committed fraud. why did obamas birth certificate get sealed-how long did obama wife work with bernadette doran-redistribute the wealth-civilian security force what country does this sound like

Posted by Dick Petersen October 31, 08 12:53 PM
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Sharon:
"...wich could have been avoided had every one not been so worried about who will win"

I for one am very worried about who will win; John McCain is impulsive and reckless (see his choice of Sarah Palin) and doesn't have the steadiness or good judgment we need in these perilous times.

This time, let's vote for the smart guy (for once).

Posted by Frank October 31, 08 12:54 PM
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You heard that there are "alot of illegal aliens voting?"

Can you back that up with proof, or is it just designed to sow uncertainty about an election your preferred candidate (whoever that is) might not win? Please stop spreading uncertainty about this election, or you're just doing the work of the mischief makers for them.

Americans have decided that we're tired of having the democratic process taken away from us, with appointed, partisan officials deciding close elections. So we're avoiding that problem by making sure the election won't be even remotely close.

Whoever your preferred candidate is: VOTE!

Posted by Tom C October 31, 08 12:55 PM
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Sharon:
"...wich could have been avoided had every one not been so worried about who will win"

I for one am very worried about who will win; John McCain is impulsive and reckless (see his choice of Sarah Palin) and doesn't have the steadiness or good judgment we need in these perilous times.

This time, let's vote for the smart guy (for once).

Posted by Frank October 31, 08 12:57 PM
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outsource election to the biggest democracy in the world - india.

And believe me they probably have experience with all sorts of fraud you can imagine!

Posted by slashingComments October 31, 08 01:06 PM
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lol complaining about voter fraud in MA? because it's Republican???
wtf about our pols completely ignoring legal petition?????

just STFU

Posted by Marzilli for senate oops I mean Martin Walsh October 31, 08 01:06 PM
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slimeball C Jaques ( lesbian activist, former state senator known for giving an "assistant"/lover some interesting raises) is now a judge

let's remember as a senator:

Denied Citizens their Constitutional Right to Vote on Marriage Amendment
Violated Her Oath to Obey the Mass. Constitution
Has Every Right to Work for Gay Marriage; But Not to Break the Law

Posted by Jim Marzilli/Martin Walsh for senate October 31, 08 01:27 PM
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The demi-dems keep saying that the so called bailout of the banks is privatizing the profits, but that is just another demi-dem fantasy.

With all the ‘so called’ affirmative action (racial and femi-phem), minimum wage, and all the other regulations about who, what, when & where they must hire, it doesn’t sound like privatizing the profits to me.

It looks like the PROFITS HAVE BEEN ‘very much’ SOCIALIZED………….

Posted by Mr Reality October 31, 08 01:41 PM
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Many of us Americans are very concerned that the final count on Nov. 4th will have been altered by a large amt. of fraudulent, registered voters slipping through the system . It seems as if a huge percentage of the population intend to vote for a person who has magically charmed their souls and are behaving as if it is a massive popularity contest. They need to take the time to educate themselves about their potential leader and seem to be caught up in the dream of "free handouts and false hopes".

Posted by Sandy October 31, 08 01:55 PM
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Be vigilant of how Republicans stole the white house in 2000 and 2004:

1. Voter purges. Florida illegally purged thousands of voters based on very "loose" criteria for ID matches with felons. The criteria for "matches" disregarded dates of birth, genders, middle initials, Jr./Sr., and race, and counted only the first 4 letters in the first name. Illegal purging of voters must never again be tolerated.

2. Conflicts of interest of Elections Officials: Katherine Harris, the chief elections officer for Florida, was also the co-chair of the Bush campaign. Jeb Bush was overseeing Florida's elections even though he was the brother of one of the candidates. Antonin Scalia did not recuse himself in Gore vs. Bush despite that two of his sons were lawyers working for the Bush campaign. Clarence Thomas did not recuse himself despite that his wife had the job of reviewing resumes for potential Bush administration appointees.

Posted by Citizen October 31, 08 02:05 PM
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3. Illegal counting of absentee ballots: Ballots that were postmarked late were counted.

4. Harrassment/obstruction of voters: Police were citing voters for loitering even when they were just standing in the voting line. Multiple forms of identification were asked for at the polls that were not required by law. No bilignual support at the polls.

5. Shortage of voting machines: Voters stood in line for hours only to be told they couldn't vote because of a shortage of voting machines.

Posted by Citizen October 31, 08 02:06 PM
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Here in Cleveland people are registering in parking lots and on the street. I got approached by a guy in the parking lot of a beer store at 11 pm. What happened to taking 5 minutes to go to the library. If people want to vote we need one fair and correct registration system for us all. One federal form that you fill out the same for all. Its insanity!

Posted by GoCavs October 31, 08 02:09 PM
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One method of voter fraud involves pre-selected candidates in at least one area voting precinct in North Carolina. This happened to a relative, but thank God, she realized what was happening, and de-selected all who were pre-selected. No one informed her of the situation with the machines. Had she not been alert, her vote would have not been her own. She was using an electronic machine at her precinct. How can this be?

Posted by jnine October 31, 08 02:11 PM
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Obama is the modern day Robinhood. He thinks you can make the poor rich by making the rich poor. He doesn’t understand the “pass down” principle of business. If a product increases in cost via tax increases on big businesses, it will be passed down the the “poor” middle class consumers (You and I)

Posted by Bearcat October 31, 08 02:19 PM
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We have been in a growing police state for the last eight years, It is time for the voters to show overwhelming force at the polls to replace this group of corporate raiders who have used this country as their personal ATM. Like everyone, I have been drained of cash by these guys. It costs more to go to work than it seems to pay. I've always like McCaine very much, but if we are going to get rid of corruption, get health care, save social security, eliminate torture as a government approved practice, preserve our liberties and create a country good enough to live in then we have to kiss them goodbye. Its just the way it is this time. Sorry John - you shoulda won eight years ago!

Posted by Colin Brown October 31, 08 02:29 PM
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I blame George W. Bush. Because of W. we are about have a socialist running this country. YO W how does the Dubai Ports deal look now? YO W how does nominating an unqualified female to the supreme court look now? YO W how does governing from the middle-left looks now? WOW throw me a bone, these guys get in office and totally screw their base. We conservatives were so down in the efffing dumps this last 4years most of us can't even muster the will to be the least bit excited about McCain and Palin. Palin O Palin, let me just agree with Peggy Noonan from the WSJ, at first she was a shot of energy for McCain but as I look at this lady two things comes my mind. 1st Is it me or do she reminds anyone of the Stripper/Teacher in the movie Varsity Blues. 2nd this stage ia way to big for her. I mean although I dispise Barak Hussein, it looks like he owns the stage whereas Palin is coming off as well ummmm an ALASKAN GOVERNOR.
I am really sad right now and I feel like Richard Gere in "An Officer and a Gentleman" screaming I HAVE NO WHERE ELSE TO GO, I HAVE NO WHERE ELSE TO GO.
Thanks alot W and McCain for the last 4 yrs saying EFFF U BASE, we don't need you, we only need the middle.
The light at the end of the tunnel is this though LIBS. From the rescent events of the hurricanes and this election has definately blossomed some new conservative players. Governor Jendal, Palin, Rudy, Governor Christ and a couple more. Michael Savage for President Rush Limbaugh for VP

Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity for custodians, those two Hollywood wannabe conservatives needs to go crawl underneath a rock and never be heard from again. I call them Telovative not conservative

OK im through with my SMACK

Posted by Lamont in Houston October 31, 08 02:38 PM
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When all is said an done we find that there are evil people on both sides of this world no matter where you live. This is including the USA. The important thing is here in the states we all (no matter of your race creed, gender or color) have the right to vote. I am not shocked of what I've read so far. It just shows that some people are just evil hearted toward others. Whoever wins this polical race will either have a challenge of bringing this nation together (rich, poor, creed gender and color) or they will continue to work for one or the other and close their eyes to what and whoever is left behind. Some people hate other people for no reason. Let's just do our patriotic duty and get out there and vote for what you are for & the person you feel will give you , the people what you are looking for. Don't take voting for granted just suppose you were not allowed to vote because of you race, creed gender or color? How aweful that would be. Think about it. If Blacks,
Whites,Latinos and Jewish people could all pull together and work toward making
toward making this USA a better place to live how great we would be in the sight of other countries. LET'S VOTE, NOT FIGHT!

this


interested in and not

Posted by Ms Anonymous of USA by birth October 31, 08 03:03 PM
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Cathy Shea,
Why all the hate? So now it is all right for your democratic party to steal an election. Snap out of it.

Posted by Walter Festoon October 31, 08 03:18 PM
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