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Bob Haran makes some interesting points in his analysis of the mysterious push poller. Unfortunately, many of them are incorrect. Even worse, he fails to cogently analyze the few items he does correctly present.

For example, Bob Haran points out that a push poll started on Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend will get minimal press exposure. That may be correct, but that would also work to the disadvantage of the push poll sponsor who, one would think, would actually want the negative publicity amplified as much as possible.

Something Bob fails to point out is the amazing coincidence that Munsil's political operatives were ready to file a claim with Clean Elections for additional funds almost immediately after the push poll calls started. Also, Don Goldwater has already filed a complaint against the Munsil campaign and Nathan Sproul who were apparently behind a push poll against Goldwater; the sponsorship of the poll was shielded by consulting companies that were linked to Sproul and to funding from the Munsil campaign according to the complaint. So, it appears that Munsil operatives already have experience with setting up push polls and hiding the true sponsor.

It is also an amazing coincidence that these push polls occurred almost exactly when Goldwater qualified for Clean Election financing. It is not reasonable to assume that the Goldwater campaign would want that news crowded out by a push poll story. Also, that means the Goldwater campaign suddenly has a sudden infusion of over $450,000 while the Munsil campaign is getting tapped out because of previous expenses including push polls, office expenses, signs, already arranged media buys, and expensive political consultants. It would seem that the Munsil campaign could sure use a sudden infusion of about $200,000 to buy more media just before the primary election.

As for these "revelations" hurting the Munsil campaign, that is ridiculous. Nobody is going to shame or blame Munsil or his family. It is old news that happened a long time ago. Also, his 9-11 remark was so taken out of context as to also be ridiculous. Interestingly, if there was any concern about these items coming out and being campaign issues, this is the best possible way for Munsil to have them come out. It looks like he is being unfairly attacked. Also, if Munsil wins the nomination (not a good thing for the Republican Party in my opinion), these items would be sure to come out anyway during the general election campaign. It's hard to believe that some enterprising reporter wouldn't pick up this story from some politician during the general election campaign.

Another interesting fact is that Don Goldwater has filed a complaint about this push poll. It appears that the Munsil campaign has filed with Clean Elections for more money, but has not yet filed a complaint about violations of election law.

There are no facts now available concerning who actually sponsored the push poll, but I think the circumstantial evidence definitely does not point to Don Goldwater or any of his campaign staff or supporters. The central question, as Bob Haran pointed out, is, "Who benefits from this push poll?" Furthermore, who has the most experience setting them up? The Goldwater campaign is actively trying to find out who is behind this push poll because the pollsters falsely claimed it was sponsored by Goldwater for Governor. Is any other campaign actively pursuing the matter?

I think Bob Haran may be too blinded by his support of Len Munsil to be able to look at all of the circumstantial evidence and other scenarios far more reasonable than what he suggests.