Speaking of problem phone calls...

Posted: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 8:16 AM by Elizabeth Wilner

From MSNBC's David Shuster
Richmond, VA -- Jean Jensen, Secretary of the Virginia State Board of Elections, confirms that the FBI is now looking into possible voter intimidation in the US Senate race between Republican incumbent George Allen and Democrat Jim Webb. Jensen says state officials alerted the Justice Department yesterday to several complaints of suspicious phone calls to voters that attempted to misdirect or confuse them about election day. She adds she has now been contacted by FBI agents. The FBI in Richmond refuses to comment.

In a written statement issued by the Webb campaign, state Democratic party counsel Jay Myerson says he believes that Republicans are behind an orchestrated effort to suppress votes for Webb. Republican officials, including the executive director of the Virginia Republican party, say the GOP and the Allen campaign are focused on mobilizing voters and have not discouraged anyone from voting.

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Comments

Republicans cheating? Wow I'm shocked. Too bad they're gonna LOSE and the U.S and the world will come back to some sense of normalcy. Nothing like a blue tidal wave to straighten things out.

j fla (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 8:41 AM)

I am most pleased the FBI will be investigating these allegations of voter intimidation by the republicans. If true, this brazenness can only lead to further attempts to suppress voter turnout. Let us hope this does not lead to other actions that impact actual votes cast. Those involved need to be identified and prosecuted expeditiously. Following this election, it would be good for Jimmy Carter to talk about the elections in Nicaragua, and for you to contrast those elections with what is happening increasingly to the democratic process in this country.

Bernard Trescavage (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 8:42 AM)

Here we go agian..yawn..it is so passe w/ all these supposedly conspiracies going on. Harken back to the old days, when precint bosses gave out cash for votes or used intimidation keep one from voting a certian way. And we think America has changed- get a grip Cinderella; we do not live in a utopian fantasyland, but a land where opportuinty is fueled by greed.

Donny M; Santa Fe, NM (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 8:43 AM)

The Republicans are at it again. If they can't win an election they use any slimy tactic. These people will never change unless the whole Republican party is purged and restarted.

Cartier Caldwell, Dallas, Texas (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 8:53 AM)

AND NOTHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT THIS. WATCH!

Randy (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 8:59 AM)

Given that such a behavior would be beneath the Republican party we all know and love, I think the FBI would be wise to consider Macaca as a person of interest. Yes, that's right, I think Macaca is just trying to make Republicans in general and upstanding statesman Allen in particular look like a bunch of rooster bandits on these last minutes before the election. Speaking of roosters, has anyone on this board ever tried rooster jerky? Or if your taste buds are a bit more sophisticated and uptown, you may prefer boiled rooster under glass washed down with raw potato juice. Did I say Macaca needs to be considered a prime suspect?

J Irby, Colorado Springs, Co. (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:20 AM)

This isn't the first this type of thing has happened. Politicians are sneaky by profession.

Sceptical, Somewhere in VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:24 AM)

BEHIND EVERY ACTION IS A CONSPIRACY.EVERYONE KNOWS THAT(LOL) JACK CURTIS BOCA RATON FL.

JACK CURTIS BOCA RATON FL. (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:24 AM)

Democrats complaining? WOW I'm shocked!

Kristie, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:25 AM)

HOW I LONG FOR THE DAYS OF THE LAST GREAT REPUBLICAN RICHARD NIXON. THINGS WERE SO MUCH SIMPLER THEN.

E.L. EICHELBERGER (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:25 AM)

As you say, "the Republicans are at it again." Even here in our little state of South Carolina, the Republicans are using the dirtiest of tactics to sway the voters. Lies after lies after lies,,, but no one can dispute the mess our country is now in.

P. Jones, Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:25 AM)

I just saw your report with Andrea Mitchell. I was working a phone bank for a NY Democratic challenger. In the last three days I have heard many reports from voters saying that they had been receiving 5-10 robocalls in one day, starting with 'Let me tell you about [candidate X],' then going on to disparage him. One woman said she had supported the candidate until she got all these phone calls, but was not going to vote because she was disgusted with it. She was a registered Democrat, so they had targeted her. If she had not spoken to me, a live person who explained what was happening, she would not have bothered to vote. She called it harassment. Another gentleman, who was unaffiliated, said he had lost count of the number he had received, but was going to vote for my candidate anyway. He said he would hang up on the message, but was continuing to get calls, so I explained that he should listen to the whole thing, and the calls would stop.

Jan, Dover Plains, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:25 AM)

Fear and smear. It's their M.O. They know they can't win fairly. Look at 2000.

Bert - Woodland Hills California (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:26 AM)

Com'on people, think clearly here. The drive-by media has been pushing "voter fraud" for the past few days - before anything could even happen. I think the Democrats have a simple message: We win or someone cheated. They mock our system and our right to vote against them.

Dan Jarvis, Seville, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:26 AM)

Anyone stupid enough to feel intimidated by a phone call should consider passing on the voting process. As a citizen, ome should feel obligated to be informed if they are going to vote.

Ronald Simpkins (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:27 AM)

This is another example of the media attacking Republicans on unsubstantiated rumor while giving the Democrat party a free pass. Over 70% of election coverage of the major networks has been positive on the Dems. What's amazing is that it's likely the Dems still won't get the Senate. Besides, a Dem House would be great -- since it will catapult the Republican candidate into the Oval office in 2 years.

Max, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:28 AM)

In spite of the Republicans' attempt to hurt turnout, the lines in Virginia are long and full of voters sick of President Bush and Sen. George Allen. If you are from Virginia or know anyone who is, now is the time to call and remind them to VOTE for Jim Webb and to call everyone they know. We will not get a second chance at this. Please help Virginia elect Jim Webb.

Brian Patton, Clintwood, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:29 AM)

Tell me one campaign that doesn't try to mislead the public about the opponent!! This is just business as usual from both sides. That is why I am an independant! I don't trust either of the big parties anymore.

Dave, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:30 AM)

Funny that the first story of the morning about voter fraud is one where you try to blame Republicans. Didn't 4 members from ACORN, a Democratic/Pro-Union group just get convicted of Voter registration FRAUD? Where is the uproar about this? I don't even think I saw it reported by the old-school media, including NBC. Not a surprise though that the media bias would be in full swing trying to effect the outcome of the elections today....

mike milton, ny,ny (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:30 AM)

To be honest, both parties are just as dirty. This whole political system is nothing more than the world's most expensive popularity contest, and I beleive most of us are sick of it. Want to fix the American political machine? Make being a senator or a representative a minimum wage job. Then these corporate beaurocrats wouldn't want to be elected so badly and wouldn't spend so much money. We don't have Represenation by Population in this country; We have Representation by Corporation, and I'm sick of it.

Dan O, Lomira WI (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:30 AM)

I don't want to see Allen win in VA, but I do think the Democrats are easy prey for this kind of thing. Most of them don't know what they stand for, so confusing them is easy. It's sad to see FBI agents forced to work cases where people are confused over a phone message.

Charlie, Washington, DC (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:31 AM)

Went to vote in Arlington at 7am and the line was already very long. People were truning back because they couldn't wait. Maybe they will come back later maybe not. Voting is an important civic duty it should not be made difficult and tactics that suppress voting are anti-democratic.

GV, Arlington, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:31 AM)

What a tremendous load of crap. Where is the proof, what are the circumstances, who is involved? Certainly this article lists none of those things. So in the last minutes before people vote the democrats release a statement that will be unprovable before the majority of Americans go vote in an attempt to sway more people away from the Republicans. If this allegation remains unproven, then Jay Meyerson and all those placing complaints should be put in jail for fraud.

Steve, Harrisonburg, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:31 AM)

Not only will nothing be done except for a little hand slapping - but it needs to take front and center - this has gone on for too long - where is the actual backbone of our democracy if we're not feeling free, unconfused, and encouraged to vote - and that our vote counts.

Bob , Vista, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:31 AM)

We just want things to be fair here in VA. We aren't complaining, and please don't defend the sneakiness of the republicans.

Spencer, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:32 AM)

Cant the Dems come up with a more creative story then rehashing the same excuses for losing again. Dems need to hold onto these excuses like their childhood security blanket. The American public is not stupid and can smell the leftist media smeer tactics a mile away. After months of predicting the Blue-Wave the poll numbers have been normalizing the past week. The drastic leads that have been published are not realistic and are taken with a grain of salt, if paid attention to at all. The Republicans will retain control of Congress.

Jason Celaya, Houston, Texas (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:32 AM)

I think it's amazing that you posters ignore thae fact that Democrats resort to the same tactics. In 2004 Democrats slashed the tires of the vans that were to be used by Republicans to give rides to vote. I am a registered independent and your party is deserving of equal blame.

Josh (Chicago, IL) (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:32 AM)

Please, I'm sure it's just some Dems playing the same old "victim" role per usual. Oh poor me! They confused me! I don't know how to vote!

Cindy F, Richmond, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:33 AM)

You liberals are already looking for excuses!?!? I've heard so many blatant lies, misleading information, double standards and outright idiotic logic from liberals during my lifetime it makes me sick. Then the main stream media just echoes it without question. I hope you guys are crushed when the American people speak today! Ignore the media!!! Vote Conseravative!!! Ignore the media!!! Vote Conseravative!!! Ignore the media!!! Vote Conseravative!!! Ignore the media!!! Vote Conseravative!!! Ignore the media!!! Vote Conseravative!!!

A thinking American, Greensboro, NC (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:34 AM)

Why bother having an election? Since going to the electronic voting machines it will be easier to manipulate the vote count without a paper trail.

Don, Shelbyville, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:34 AM)

The dem's love this! They can call the rep's cheats and whip up support for their side on something that has not been proven. Guilty until proven innocent! Let's see if MSNBC supports both sides.

S. Wilson (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:35 AM)

Robocalling, threats, misinformation....This is what the Republican GOTV is all about. Stealing elections has become a full-time job for the GOP.

Darryn (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:35 AM)

President "optomistic"? At what point does that become dillusional?

Soccer Mom, Charles Town, WV (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:35 AM)

When I went to the polls this smorning, I found myself thinking (praying), "Please let this matter...please let this vote count"... and I'm agnostic. I think whatever intimidation or fraud is going to impact this election is likely already in place... People have no idea how easy it could be, with computerized/electronic voting - to make it look like you are voting one way, but behind the scenes have it register another... even WITH a paper trail. I am so sad and concerned for us all...

Jane, Exton, Pa (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:36 AM)

Here we go again! Fraud, conspiracy, voter intimidation, negative campaining. How is it that the government of the United States feels it can travel the world and spread democracy when it can't even run a fair election on the issues here at home. It's time we get our house in order.

RP, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:36 AM)

Democrats are at it again. Same ol' tired tune. Election Day has barely begun and they are already claiming voter intimidation. This is why the Democrats will never be the majority party again. If they win, it must because the American people agree with them on the issues. If they lose, its because the Republicans cheated. Give me a break. Grow up Democrats and you may get even more support. Remember 2000? Remember how the Republicans "stole" the election? Well, if they could steal a Presidential election...why wouldnt they steal this election? The Republicans will lose the House today, not because the Democrats "stole" the election but because they have not been good stewards of this nation. See how easy it is to act like a grown up, Democrats?

Rick, Orlando, Florida (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:36 AM)

I'm a registered Republican and will not be voting this term. I am ashamed to call myself Republican right now. I have been beating myself up for voting for Bush a second time. The "garbage" that Allen and Webb have been spitting at us is just too much. I have no one to vote for if these two are all Virginia has to offer.

Vicki, Bassett, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:36 AM)

Republicans have had all for the last number of years. Their actions are an effort to keep their control. They do not care about America, only for their ability to maintain control. For years they weilded power by making voters affraid to vote for anyone but themselves. Now after years of under their control Americans are saying to the Republican party that they can no longer be trusted. It's time for them to quit complaining about the liberal media and accept the fact that the majority of Americans do not agree with them.

Michael Marks, Reading, PA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:36 AM)

Allegations have been made and the Justice Department is investigating, which is the process. Why do educated people jump to conclusions about who or what before the truth is known? Perhaps the Webb Campaign Headquarters is correct but their allegation, without proof, is inadmissible in any court in this country. So why jump to conclusions or are those of you so quick to judge saying that we should suspend the Constitution?

Jim Freeman, Spotsylvania, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:37 AM)

you idiots honestly believe demoncrats don't do these things?

joe boo (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:37 AM)

With all that people in other countries go through to vote, I think it is shameful for people to admit to being "discouraged against voting", by some phone calls. Get a life people!! People in other countries risk their lives for the priveledge of voting, and we whine about to many calls, and get dicouraged about voting??

Dave, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:37 AM)

if you are going to cheat accuse the other fellow first! If you are going to lie accuse the other party of it first. Same Democrats, same tactics!

sfnutt (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:37 AM)

Let's not kid ourselves into thinking that both sides don't employ all sorts of sleazy tactics..they are politicians after all. VA demorcrats should not act indignant,as if they are completely innocent, who do they think they are fooling? The real travesty is that the people who should run for elective office, do not because of its ugly environment, evidenced by this story.

Lisa, Ashburn, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:37 AM)

"the Republicans are at it again." I love how the news outlets always blame it on the Republicans!! Is it not Democtarts who have dead people voting? Is it not Liberal-Democrat groups who have signed up numerous non-US citizens as voters? Is it not Democrats who are against the idea of photo ID proof before voting. Get real here report the truth

Tony Katonah, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:38 AM)

I ask now, has there ever been any allegations about Democrats fixing elections? NEVER. Nixon did his best (or worst) but only when caught red handed did he quit... same with Foley, same with all of them. There are only so many rich people in America, the republicans need to make up the rest of the votes somehow.

Save Ferris, Chicago Ill (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:38 AM)

Democrats complaining??? Give me a break. They are the slime of all slime....

Reid (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:39 AM)

I wholeheartedly believe that we'll get to the bottom of this. And if the FBI, FEC, and/or DOJ fail to act, perhaps now it is time for the citizenry to do so. First, at the ballot box. And then, perhaps, in other arenas.

D. Pierce (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:39 AM)

Just another Republican "cowboy" tactic. Bush refuses to back down OR accept possible defeat, mistakes, incompetent cabinet members, or poor judgement. Karl Rove, the dirty tricks mechanic, up to old tricks. Am I the only one who finds it ironic he spells his first name the same as another Karl? That would be Marx of course.

Greg B, Augusta, GA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:39 AM)

EVIDENCE, this article doesn't have any. It doesn't provide details of what was said or who might have said them. What if it was all just a mistaken volunteer that said vote on Thursday instead of Tuesday? Then we'd all be jumping the gun ready to hang the Republicans because we didn't weigh the evidence. It's the problem with the media today and it's the problem with the judicial system today. Nobody pays attention to evidence, we're too impatient.

Jeff Bonasse, Portland, TX (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:39 AM)

Instead of hanging up, just lay the phone down and go about your day. Maybe that will tie up "their" lines and give them a taste of their own medicine!

Fed up, Omaha, NE (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:39 AM)

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