The American Prospect has a commentary that argues Republican dirty tricks are now a part of that party's DNA.  From Nixon's 1972 "ratf***ing" operation to the 2006 robocalls, the commentary takes the position that "electoral fraud" is simply one part of the Rethug's electoral playbook and is an issue that needs to be addressed by our new majority.  

http://www.prospect.org/...

The article argues that these strategies are effective.  No doubt that is true, but not universally so.  Take West Michigan, for example.  

We have just witnessed an election of historic proportions.  There has been a significant realignment of the vote, creating a majority of the type last seen in 1980.  Sure, in 2000 we won; yet we did not gain the Presidency, and did not assemble this type of electorate.  In 2004, we probably won, but did not gain the Presidency, and did not assemble this type of electorate.

I just finished reading Steven R's diary, and took the poll.  98 people voted to send Dean packing.  So, I am dedicating this diary to those who voted to send him packing.  Here is you chance: identify yourselves, and give reasons.

I suspect this diary will die a quick and quiet death.

Good fucking grief!

Senator Mitchell:

You are a Bowdoin College graduate.   I may assume from that simple fact that you received an education rooted in the classical tradition.  I may also assume, not just from the degree, but also from the facts of your age and your public service you have a well developed sense of the proper operation of a constitutional republic.  

I received a request from MoveOn.Org this morning to call Congressman Ehlers and urge him to vote No on the budget reconciliation bill.  This bill cuts 54 billion from Medicare, Medicaid, child support and welfare and even nutrition benefits for the poor. It will also have a negative effect on student loans for college.  Rueters has a summary here:

http://today.reuters.com/...

When I called Ehlers's office this morning I was actually asked why I was asking the congressman to vote against it.  I have probably made a half dozen calls to his office on various issues over the last year, and have never been asked that question.  So, it may be that Ehlers is considering the views of his constituents carefully.

Give his office a call (202-225-3831) and urge the Congressman to vote no on the budget reconciliation bill.

In light of today's New York Post story regarding angry chimpy, Scott should be in for a hell of a firestorm.  I think he should consider taking a page out of Ron Zeigler's playbook.  Some of Zeigler's better lines:

"This is the operative statement. The others are inoperative." -April 17 1973, retracting previous statements that had been revealed to be false.

Thank goodness, I was one of the few members of the Nixon White House staff who was never indicted and I was not part of the cover-up." -- on Larry King Live, alluding to the 11 convictions and numerous indictments in the scandal.

Third rate burglary (1st comment on Watergate.)

"The President is aware of what is going on. That's not to say there is something going on."

MoveOn.org is collecting contributions for a potential senate run by Hackett in Ohio.  The organization hopes to raise enough money to get his interest up.

Anyone who watched Hackett in his OH-2 race knows he is the kind of plain speaking politician that will grab attention nationwide.  And, he can criticize the Iraq debacle because he volunteered to serve in it. (I know, that won't stop the Oxytubby from smearing him)

MoveOn has promised to refund the money collected if he does not run.

Think of it this way: by mooching one or two beers a week at the bar you could afford to send
$ 25.00 (or more if you are especially pursuasive)

Nothing to lose, everything to gain.