What next in dirty politics???
A Saturday October 23 page one story headline in the New York Times reads, "Democrats Backing Fake Tea Party Candidates."
The story explains that in numerous races across the U.S. a fake “Tea Party” candidate has been working to siphon votes from the Republican candidate. In a close race this third party effort could throw the election to the Democrat contender.
Arguably, the most serious effort is taking place in Nevada where the Times says supporters of Harry Reid are backing a “Tea Party” candidate named Scott Ashjian. In reality, Sharron Angle is the actual Tea Party endorsed candidate, and she has a very good chance of beating Harry Reid if votes aren't siphoned away from her by this phony third candidate. Radio listeners are hearing ads promoting the fake "Nevada Tea Party" candidate Ashjian, and these ads bash Sharron Angle.
Blatant examples in other states include:
California: Democratic Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet has paid for an automated recording that calls Republican voters and purports to be from a registered GOP voter. The unidentified voter reveals she is voting for Bill Lussenheide of the American Independent Party, rather than GOP incumbent Rep. Mary Bono Mack, because Lussenheide is a “true conservative.”
Florida: Candidates listed as having tea party affiliations are running, even though they have been exposed as having no legitimate tea party supporting them.
Michigan: Fake tea party candidates tried to run for two House seats and a number of state offices. Democratic Party officials were linked to the candidacies, and the candidates were declared ineligible.
This kind of dirty tactics have no legitimate place in election campaigns, and the perpetrators should be severely punished. I doubt that will ever happen, though. About the only thing we can do is to keep voters informed of such shenanigans, and let the perps know we are onto their dirty tricks.
Rick
A Saturday October 23 page one story headline in the New York Times reads, "Democrats Backing Fake Tea Party Candidates."
The story explains that in numerous races across the U.S. a fake “Tea Party” candidate has been working to siphon votes from the Republican candidate. In a close race this third party effort could throw the election to the Democrat contender.
Arguably, the most serious effort is taking place in Nevada where the Times says supporters of Harry Reid are backing a “Tea Party” candidate named Scott Ashjian. In reality, Sharron Angle is the actual Tea Party endorsed candidate, and she has a very good chance of beating Harry Reid if votes aren't siphoned away from her by this phony third candidate. Radio listeners are hearing ads promoting the fake "Nevada Tea Party" candidate Ashjian, and these ads bash Sharron Angle.
Blatant examples in other states include:
California: Democratic Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet has paid for an automated recording that calls Republican voters and purports to be from a registered GOP voter. The unidentified voter reveals she is voting for Bill Lussenheide of the American Independent Party, rather than GOP incumbent Rep. Mary Bono Mack, because Lussenheide is a “true conservative.”
Florida: Candidates listed as having tea party affiliations are running, even though they have been exposed as having no legitimate tea party supporting them.
Michigan: Fake tea party candidates tried to run for two House seats and a number of state offices. Democratic Party officials were linked to the candidacies, and the candidates were declared ineligible.
This kind of dirty tactics have no legitimate place in election campaigns, and the perpetrators should be severely punished. I doubt that will ever happen, though. About the only thing we can do is to keep voters informed of such shenanigans, and let the perps know we are onto their dirty tricks.
Rick
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