Replies

What we have here is a little nest of Paultards who have accused me of “voter fraud.” They have no clue what a fundraiser is, they think that evil corporations fund the Republican Party of Pinellas County. It never occurred to them that it is in fact, little old ladies in tennis shoes. Could I trouble you for some educational assistance on behalf of the new arrivals in the Republican Party tent? After all, they and their Ron Paul friends did just contribute $6000 to Tony Matteo and the Pinellas County Republican Party. Of course I am not counting the $10,000 raised by the Romney camp, nor the $300 contributed by the Fredheads. I would not want to offend them, because it might discourage further contributions.

However accusing a fellow freeper of “voter fraud” is a serious charge... I forgive them, for now. But I will monitor this situation so that I can get.... in before the zot.. Please be mindful that I am not in any way suggesting that you, or your local Republican Committees should take advantage of these young Paultard Republicans, just so your club could pad your committee treasury. That would not be right. This method of fund raising should only be attempted by trained professionals, hard core veterans of chad wars, lest there be riots in the streets.

Here's the definition of a straw poll according to Wikipedia:

A formal straw poll is common in American political caucuses. Such straw polls can be taken before selecting delegates and voting on resolutions. The results of straw polls are taken by the media to influence delegates in caucus later (as well as delegates to political conventions), and thus serve as important precursors. Straw polls are also scheduled informally by other organizations interested in the U.S. presidential election.

Well-known American straw polls include the Ames Straw Poll and the Texas Straw Poll, both conducted on behalf of the Republican Party. Being run by private organizations, they are not subject to public oversight or verifiability. However, they provide important interactive dialogue among movements within large groups, reflecting trends like organization and motivation.[1][2]

Straw polls are not indicative of a broad base of support, particularly in the early stages of a campaign. But they can be used as a tool to build such support by a campaign that has a core of committed supporters, a strong organization to rally around and a well funded candidate. They are one more method of marketing a candidate to the public and/or party activists.

Bottom line though, is this: its the way the American electoral system works and its nothing new. But then, most who are making this "Mitt bought the poll" charge aren't doing it to preserve the integrity of the voting process. They're trying to knock of the frontrunner with any and all accusations they can find or manufacture. I've never seen so many crocodile tears.