Senators Clinton, Graham talk 2004 voting - not Democratic ticket

Brandenton ^ | 3/10/04 | DEVLIN BARRETT

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Two Democratic senators often mentioned as possible candidates for the vice presidential spot on the 2004 ticket talked voting Wednesday - but not for themselves.

Sens. Bob Graham of Florida and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York are pushing legislation that would ensure a printed receipt of votes cast on new touch-screen computer terminals, arguing it will restore voter confidence in the election process.

They both insisted the move had nothing to do with future political aspirations - and everything to do with past political confusion.

"We can't ever go through what we went through in 2000," said Clinton, referring to the drawn-out recount process in Florida that was eventually settled by the Supreme Court.

To prevent a repeat - and the hard feelings that followed - Clinton and Graham have proposed legislation that would require all computer voting machines to produce a paper record that can be checked after the vote should disputes arise. It also would require that the change be made before the November election.

While Florida's presidential primary on Tuesday had few voting problems, one county did experience problems apparently due to a software glitch.

Graham said problems like that would be addressed if Congress required computer voting machines to leave a "paper trail," spitting out records similar to that of an ATM machine.

The legislation calls for $150 million to fund the technology upgrade.

Both Graham and Clinton's name have been mentioned as possible running mates for presumptive Democratic nominee John Kerry. Graham, who abandoned his own presidential bid, has not expressed much interest in the job, while Clinton has said she will serve out her term as senator, which runs through 2006.

[So Cal Rocket]

OK... will someone please see if the temperature in Hades is below 32 degrees F? I am about to say something that I don't believe I would ever say:

I agree with Hillary.

[ladyinred]

"We can't ever go through what we went through in 2000," said Clinton, referring to the drawn-out recount process in Florida that was eventually settled by the Supreme Court.

Exactly Hillary, we can't. Let's hope that Kerry, if he finds himself losing somewhere won't attempt a coup by hook or crook as Gore did!

This insults our intelligence as usual! I notice the rats are bringing up 2000 as often as possible to remind voters that Bush stole the election in their lying minds!

[Irish Eyes]

I had to read this twice myself. Looking to find the weather report ;)

[Wissa]

Darn right. If the dems are gonna be buying votes from bums, they deserve to have proof that the they bought the right vote. No sense in handing over cigarettes to some goofball that can't prove he voted for Kerry. Same thing with the strongarm guys in the unions. They ought to be able to get a receipt that shows that the guys they brought to the polls didn't throw away their vote by voting for Bush.

That secret ballot stuff is WAY over-rated.

[William Tell]

From the article: "We can't ever go through what we went through in 2000," said Clinton,

Somebody needs to ask Hillary, "If Kerry is the loser in a nation of over 100 million voters by a few hundred votes in one state, will Kerry call for recounts until he wins or the courts order the recounting stopped?"

The truth, of course, is that there is no technology whatever that will prevent the loser from challenging a close race. None.

[wny]

Don't look for Kerry to pick Hillary for VP. If he picks her, it's a pure sign of desparation. Kerry doesn't want to be invisible, playing second fiddle to the wicked-witch-of-the-east. The prestitutes would focus on her, not Kerry. It would be Bush v.Clinton - the rematch. Besides, Kerry is a pompous ego-maniac, if Hillary was VP, he'd disappear from the media radar screen. If this ticket were ever elected, the morning after the election the mediawhores would start the "Hillary! '08 movement". Kerry doesn't want to be an invisible president. Secondly, she's got a lot of baggage, Kerry has enough of his own. Her presense would mean 5% for Bush. All the self-righteous folks who say they won't vote for Bush because of this or that single issue that pisses them off. This would be enough to make theses people - all but the biggest fools - to suck it up and vote Bush. Finally, it's not like Hill'y on the ticket brings Kerry anything. Do you really think there's anyone out there who was thinking Bush but would vote Kerry becuase she was on the ticket?? More people would swing the other way I'd bet. What state could she possiblt tip away from Bush and to Kerry? Her home state of D.C.? NY? Be real

[ShandaLear]

Hillary isn't getting near Kerry. She knows better than anyone that he's radio-active.

[hattend]

The legislation calls for $150 million to fund the technology upgrade.

Most expensive printers ever!