Saturday, May 30, 2009

Voter Intimidation?...

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During the last four election days at the Stuarts Draft polling place I have had the same older gentleman challenge the placement of campaign signs outside of the polling place entrance door. The first year he was very adamant about the placement of the signs and the "Republican" volunteers outside of the "No Campaigning" zone but did not question placement of the single "Democratic" volunteer or her signs. I took the opportunity to show this older gentleman the above sign positioned by the polling workers and that none of the campaign signs or volunteers were anywhere within this restricted zone...
It happens every election day since and I still instruct the older gentleman to read the sign...




Yesterday it was reported that the Voter Intimidation case regarding the incident that happened during the 2008 Presidential election in Philadelphia showing members of the Black Panthers outside of a polling place, one brandishing a night stick and "violated the 1965 Voting Rights Act by scaring would-be voters with the weapon, racial slurs and military-style uniforms" has now been dismissed.


"Justice Department political appointees overruled career lawyers and ended a civil complaint accusing three members of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense of wielding a nightstick and intimidating voters at a Philadelphia polling place last Election Day, according to documents and interviews."




The Washington Times ask a interesting question in: What if there were KU Klux Klan members and they stood outside of polling places in military uniforms, with nightsticks, confronting voters arriving to the polling place?...


"The flip side of this scenario is occurring right now. The culprits weren't Klansmen; they belonged to the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. One of the defendants, Jerry Jackson, is an elected member of Philadelphia's 14th Ward Democratic Committee and was a credentialed poll watcher for Barack Obama and the Democratic Party when the violations occurred. Rather conveniently, the Obama administration has asked that the cases against Mr. Jackson, two other defendants and the party be dropped."

Monday, May 25, 2009

Ben Cline ~Effinger Volunteer Fire Dept Carnival & Parade~ 2009

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Had the opportunity to help out Delegate Ben Cline (24th District) and walk the Effinger Volunteer Fire Dept. Carnival and Parade held on Friday, May 22nd in Effinger VA.



Have to say that I had never been to Effinger VA. before and the parade route is one of the shortest I have ever seen but there was an impressive turnout with both sides of the parade route packed by people from the surrounding communities. Delegate Cline was very well received and was approached by many people along the route wishing to shake his hand and say hello...







Being a "Fireman's" parade there were many units from surrounding communities and I have always enjoyed talking with the Buena Vista Swiftwater Rescue team...




Ben worked the crowd and spent most of his time talking with those who approached him on local issues and to thank him for his efforts in Richmond. The Rockbridge Weekly also had coverage of the event....




Ben with several of the volunteers who came out to support him and the local Republican Party during this event... The float that they put together also represented Bob McDonnell who is running for Virginia Governor and Bill Bolling who is running for re-election as Lt. Governor...
I had the opportunity to speak with several people regarding the McDonnell and Bolling campaigns and there is strong interest and support for both of these guys and the positions they are seeking...