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

This is the only change of the Rethug's winning. They really have no clear arguments for the Iraq war OR the removal of the rights of Habeus Corpus (The Bedrock of this country) Be prepared to fight for your country and the constitution when this is over. But please do remember the Haliburton "detention" camps have been built, posse comitatis is no longer a consideration by this administration and we live under a fascist dictatorial regime. Many patriots will be lost, but we must fight for our constitution! God help us all.

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

Do the Dems need some cheese to go with the whine. Remember who started this nonsense with the mushroom cloud behind the little girl - LBJ. If you vote based on ads or phone calls shame on you.

K Atkins, Murphy TX (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:39 AM)

When challenged with poll numbers, Rove bragged about "the math" when making predictions of the Republi-dopes keeping power. Keeping the "wrong" people from the polls is all part of that. And as a smarter person than I once quipped, It's not "your vote counts" it's "who counts your votes". This is all about keeping power and not much about Democracy.

Dom M., Denville, NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:40 AM)

Voter deception and intimidation is nothing to be dismissed cavalierly. The FBI and Justice Dept are investigating and are not giving details until after the election, because they don't want to influence voters. So any idiot who thinks this is a ploy to influence the election is just another blind apologist for the criminals we are now voting out of power. Good riddance.

Gerard Madison (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:40 AM)

Sorry, I'm only going by what I personally experienced. Many of my associates heard the same thing at the phone bank. The people who discussed this with me were senior citizens, so it appears they were targeted by the RNC.

Jan, Dover Plains, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:40 AM)

This morning when the polls opened, the infamous voting machines were down in three voting precincts in Austin. They were reverting to paper ballots. HMMMMM>......

Gene, Austin, Texas (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:42 AM)

I don't feel it is justified to directly attack the candidate. In many cases, the candidates have no knowledge of these sort of tactics. Obviously, if the FBI is involved and it turns out George Allen had knowledge of these scare tactics, then I think he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But I also know from the past that in many cases, the candidate has no knowledge. Additionally, I would like to say that I know George Allen and I know a great deal more about him than many people do. In all honesty, from every experience I have had with him and all I know about him, he is an honest man. I won't say I agree with all of his beliefs, but he is an honest man who does not believe in even tip toeing on the line. Vote for whoever you think will represent your intersts best...but don't automatically assume the candidate is responsible. Again...wait and see what the FBI discovers. And if they find George Allen culpable in these indimidation tactics, I will be the first sceaming for his head.

Edward W, Richmond, Va (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:42 AM)

Like a teacher being accused of hurting a child, the DEMS know that all they have to do is accuse REPS of voter intimidation to get out the minority vote. It is the cheapest of tactics, playing on the fears of blacks. It is the flipside of the REPs "law and order" tactic that puts pictures of convicted African-American murderers on political ads to frighten ignorant and racist white voters. They all should be ashamed of themselves.

Charles, Tallahassee, Florida (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:42 AM)

Come on everyone. All polititians are guilty of the same things. Both sides do shady things. To allow either party to split you from your neighbor because their favorite color, be it red or blue, is not yours is exactly where they want you. As Barack Obama said recently "I want America to see that we are not as divided as they want us to believe." (Roughly) Aren't you tired of being played? Remember, we are all human and power corrupts even the sincerest of souls. There are a few politicians out there that are sincere and trustworthy, but they are in the minority. I just hope that more will come into office because I do not fully trust the majority of them even if I voted for them. My hope is someone will come along that I don't have to vote as the lesser of two evils. If there could be balanced individual, I would be for him/her. Unfortunately no one like that has come forward... And yes, I am a conservative Republican but do recognize that a balance needs to be there and that we are all being manipulated by both parties...

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:42 AM)

People from around the country should really learn about voter registration in Virginia before they begin to comment. No voters are registered by party in Virginia, therefore, there are no lists for anybody to consult when trying to suppress votes. Additionally, there should be very little confusion regarding where to vote. Everybody should know that Election Day is the first Tuesday in November, and all voter registration cards in Virginia say exactly where your district's poll station is located (i.e. - Name of institution, street address). So for anybody to claim that Republicans are trying to intimidate voters by party affiliation, they are either ignorant or stupid.

Independent Voter, Fairfax County, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:42 AM)

Thank goodness this was caught, even though it is still late in the process (the day of). I was screwed by the voting office administrators when bush first came into office as they led me nearly 20 miles from where i needed to be, and after i called them multiple times well in advance so i would know where to vote. see i was driving in to vote and they knew it, and knew they could make me miss my vote. And this is something orchestrated by the team on call to answer questions and help tell you your precinct/voting location. Then to hear so many speak of how it was false for people to make such claims against them, when i know it was true.

CJ, Charlottesville, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:42 AM)

Such a sad display of desperation, but seems to represent the Republican ideal that they are going to save us from ourselves. How else can they justify attempts to disrupt people excercising their right to vote? I have no trust for any Republican who thinks he or she knows better than each individual voter. Trying to stay in power by any means. If we don't stop them at the polls, we may end up with a dictorial take over and loss of the freedom they claim to be fighting for. Bush and his stooges should resign from public office. Liber(ty)al.

Bob Geissinger, Olympia, WA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:43 AM)

I am so sick of the corruption, scandals, fraud, and deceit. It just switches from party in power to the next party in power. I guess that is why I don't vote. I give up.

JM (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:43 AM)

Reading this thread one thing is obvious. The country is not more united than it was 6 years ago. I have never seen this kind of division, or blatant hatred of the other side, and disregard for the opinions of 50 percent of the populace, by both parties. Where are the bipartianship we were promised by our 'unifier, not divider' president? And for those blindly blaming the other side and defending the president, no, it was not just obstructionist democrats who created the rift tearing this country apart.

Charles, Lexington Park, MD (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:43 AM)

Well, I guess the democrats are blameless as usual. Will this be the scenario each and every election from 2000 on? If the media isn't artificially suppressing the vote by forecasting election results ahead of time to suppress voter turnout, then the next best thing is to scream "Voter-Fraud" ahead of the election to try and cast doubt on the opposing party. The sad result of all this is not that your candidate wins or loses, but that the people who are supposedly being represented by the candidate placed in office get voter-apathy and simply don't show up. People once considered it their right to vote and gave their lives to support that cause. Now, it seems, most don't care. The result is less than a majority will vote, the amount of votes will be challenged b/c "A" did something that "B" doesn't approve of while doing the same thing that "A" did but screamed louder, and the next election will be more of the same. FOR ONCE, CAN'T A CANDIDATE JUST TAKE THE HIGH ROAD? Republican or Democrat - it doesn't matter. What DOES matter is what they will do once in office.

D. Warren, Durham, NC. (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:43 AM)

It is time to include these political robocalls as banned under the federal no-call list. Why does political telemarketing get a free pass? These calls are all lies meant to cheat and deceive, much moreso than any business telemarketing call I've ever received.

kmb, LaPorte, CO (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:44 AM)

Thanks MSNBC, you once again prove that you are a part of the drive by media. Always reporting a story before it is a story if it favors your political leanings.

David in Missouri (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:44 AM)

I'm going to vote laterwith my wife. a thousand robo calls wouldn't dissuade me from voting against Macca guy.

Gail Wise VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:44 AM)

J. Irby from colorado springs made me laugh. out loud. really On amore serious note, the Republicans seem to continue to be the party of exclusion and nastiness. But if they win a majority of the votes, what does that say about Americans who vote? Unless the Republicans find a way to not count their votes.

c forbess; Springvale, Maine (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:45 AM)

clearly, the united states is in no position to impose democracy anywhere, when the elections in this country are so easily subverted by gop thuggery and voter intimidation.

linda, brooklyn ny (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:45 AM)

Whine, whine, whine -- finger pointing and blame laying is the stuff of school yards. The stream of negativity and smug sanctimoniousness are what soured me and caused the switch to the Republican column. Any solutions? Any mettle? Any conviction? These are not our fathers' Democrats. Spare me. This crop is shrill and clueless.

Blanche, Ashburn, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:45 AM)

I don't think it is too early to thank God above for President Bush. Certainly no single Democrat or liberal could have possibly achieved what the President has for the Democratic Party. And to think Bush has two more years to shore up the Democratic vote for the the next election when the balance of the Senate and the Presidency is up for grabs. Certainly all must see the hand of God at work on this day.

don Atlanta, Ga (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:45 AM)

For those of you who have responded from outside Virginia, you have absolutely no understanding of what has taken place here over these last eight months. The Democratic National Committee, led by Howard Dean, has turned our election process into a cesspool of repulsive mud slinging. Howard Dean, and the DNC, are first rate slugs and thugs. And, Virginia is the worst for it. Wake up America to the "sleeze artist" that Dean is before it's too late!!!!!!

Paul, Richmond, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:45 AM)

conspiracy, conspiracy, conspiracy... what do you expect them to say??? what a joke. i am so tired of the Libs. and Dems. ranting and raving that they are SUCH Victims. Get over it Losers!!! Stop complaining and thinking that you have been misled by our Pres. Think Kerry or Gore should be our Pres.? God help us!!!

James, St. Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:45 AM)

Some advice from a Canadian about political smear campaigns ... politely listen to the messages (smear or not), see them for what they are (a normal part of the political process in the US), ignore them, take some time to really learn about each of the candidates aside from this meaningless chatter, vote. Then encourage others to do the same and don't say a negative thing yourself about it :)

Robert, Toronto, ON (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:45 AM)

FREEPERS! Freep this forum!

Joe Freeper, Red State, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:46 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 something entirely different show up somewhere else... even WITH a paper trail. I am so concerned and sad for us all...

Jane, Exton, Pa (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:46 AM)

Why is it that only Democrats cant figure how to vote in Florida (last election) and can be talked out of voting by a phone message (did they tell the person that they had cancelled the election??)

Charles Morris (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:46 AM)

Sorry to say I'm not surprised. Intimidation and dirty tricks by the GOP? Think Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004. I think ANY election that comes out differently than the major polls have predicted should be heavily investigated.

Heidi, Seattle, Washington (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:46 AM)

Hopefully, the Democrats can get this country back in order! PLEASE BRING HOME OUR TROOPS! enough is enough. GOD BLESS AMERICA

James, Woodbridge, Va (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:46 AM)

If the Democrats win, it was a tidal wave of positive change and the process worked to perfection in delivering the Dems back to where they so righteously deserve to be. If the GOP holds on or isn't destroyed to poll predicted levels, they cheated. I get it. You hate Bush. Let it and the conspiracy theories go. It is boring. Please.

mchafe (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:47 AM)

Cry me a river, Dems. Democrats illegally keep the polls open in St. Louis for an extra two hours while they are shut down everywhere else in the state in 2000. Family members of elected Democrat officials slash the tires of vans that are used to get out the GOP vote in Wisconsin. Democrats trade smokes for votes in Wisconsin. And dead people and illegal immigrants vote everwhere with Democrat glee. Give me a break. When the Republicans lose, we work harder to get it right. If Dems lose, it never seems to be because your ideas are terrible for our country. The only thing worse than Iraq is what the Dems have to offer our country--nothing.

Brian, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:47 AM)

I think whether you are sick of all the rhetoric or not, you must vote. We need to have a balance of powers and we do not now! Who will represent the working class? Not the republicans, so go out and vote!

Lisa, WI (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:47 AM)

Dems, Repubs, it is all the same. We are supposed to ba all americans, but if you are one or another the other trashed you and makes you feel like a minority. I am neither, but I understand that we are never getting out of Iraq unless we make some drastic decisions. I hat ethe fact that I have family over there fighting for peple that hate us. I hate knowing that wages are not going up, but everything else is. Oh I forgot minimum wage is, but have you ever tried to pay a mortgage with minimum wage? Thanks for all the tax breaks, but I am not rich, so I don't benefit from them. When are all of you going to wise up and understand that it is not about stem cell research and abortion, but about people and how you treat them. The world hates us and it isn't getting any better. Foreign policy is a joke and we are the joke of the world with big weapons and not afraid to use them. I feel less safe than I ever did. Sorry George, getting blown in the White house is better than blowing lies to the world from the White House. I don't condone both, but latter has cost American lives.

Patrick, Woodland, WA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:48 AM)

Poli= Many Tics= Blood sucking animals and politicians continue to suck us dry...its no longer Democrat and Republicans...they all are generally the same...where is Teddy with a Bull Moose Party?

Burg, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:48 AM)

Dirty politics comes from both political parties. It seems though the Republicans are a bit more brutal about it. Take for instance the Bush election. What a farce that was. Oh and a Republican Congressman not bringing out the fact that one of it's own is a little boy molester. It is time the small person stands up and voices his/her feelings. Both parties need to remember who hired them and who can fire them. They need to work for us not against us, the COMMON MAN.

Jim Gillespie, Westfield, NY 14787 (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:48 AM)

Don't bother. I'm quite sure the director of the FBI is doing "one heck of a job".

Bryan Manahan, Newcastle, Maine (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:48 AM)

The issue is not about the voters the media, political parties or persuasions, nor is it simply a matter of whining; it is about activities which are in violation of federal election laws. Any violation should be a concern of not only the FBI but of every citizen.

Marshall G (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:49 AM)

In other words, if the Republicans win it's a fraud, somebody intimidated voters and the voting machines are suspect. However if the Dems win, everything ran perfectly with the illegals and dead people so all the fraud claims are baseless.

Patricia Walter, Oyster Bay, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:49 AM)

Of course the dems are complaining. They've used every dirty tactic in the books to try and win this election. Jim Webb is just a sad little man who has lied about everything, and holds little regard for women. This is just the lastest smear of a great Virginia - George Allen

Tim Dowling, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:49 AM)

Shades of the GOP New Hampshire phone-jamming scam come to mind: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/16/AR2006051601712.html

E-Z-B, Maple Shade, NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:50 AM)

So what's the problem???? It ain't the first time and it ain't gonna be the last. Now.....let's prove it

TCF (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:50 AM)

wow, so it looks like the general message is that if problems are found, they shouldn't be investigated? come ON, people. Why do you immediately assume that it's just "liberals" or Democrats looking for excuses? what if it was you that saw a problem, or fraud, or intimidation? this thread is social psychology 101.

Josh, Mesa AZ (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:50 AM)

Waa Waa - poor Democrats

Connie,NC (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:50 AM)

I so sick of the Kool-Aid drinking Republicans. It would great if you could come to your own conclusions without regurgitating GOP talking points and campaign hyperbole. First and foremost the reason you guys don’t believe in voter fraud, or any other form of discrimination for that matter, is because you are fortunate enough to not be a victim of it. News flash! Injustice is alive and well, Military Commissions Act (cough), even in 2006. Second if you can’t acknowledge this country in serious need of a direction change we are really headed to Hell in a hand basket.

Brad Graham (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:50 AM)

"Anyone stupid enough to feel intimidated by a phone call should consider passing on the voting process" read this earlier and fully agree, Thought I was in Republican country but here it's mostly democrats who want handouts..So I;ll just have to change to FOX..

Lynn (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:51 AM)

Typical Democrat. Going to the "Voter intimidation" card even before he loses. Why can't the Dems just realize that WE DON'T WANT THEM IN OFFICE! Like here in Texas, Nick Lampson trying to win by default. Should you try to give the people what they want and not win by default???!!!

Ron, Houston, Texas (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:51 AM)

Dems are crying again. Looks like a move to influence us voters that actually have to go to work first today.

Rick Mayo, Visalia CA (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:51 AM)

Surprise,surprise...Carl Rove has his hands all over this one.The GOP is pulling the country apart.

Bill,Middletown, CT (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:51 AM)

Rather than acknowledge a problem and work to get these SOB's out of office everyone wants to blame the Republicans for all their problems. The Democrats never led anyone awry have they? Perhaps look in the mirror brothers and sisters, we're all in it together and as long as everyone is so sure the "other" side is wrong no matter who wins we will all lose. What ever happened to people who had the interest of the nation in mind? Those great men who forged our country are rolling in their graves as greed has taken over not just politics, but those with the power and that is the American voter. There was a time when great men made great sacrafices for the betterment of all mankind. Unfortunately America's heyday has apparently passed and now all we have are a bunch of greedy fools who want power no matter what it cost their fellow man. We were great once Americans. Don't let the politicans ruin it.

Joe Beckman, Tampa, Florida (Sent Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:52 AM)

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