(County Atty) Kleine Asks For Investigation Into 'Forward Omaha' (Omaha Mayoral Recall)

KETV - Newswatch 7 Omaha ^ | Jan 13, 2011

[Hat-Trick]

OMAHA, Neb. -- KETV NewsWatch 7 has learned that Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine will ask the Nebraska State Patrol to investigate Forward Omaha -- the group opposing the recall of Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle.

Kleine tells KETV NewsWatch 7 he wants investigators to look into the allegations of voter fraud, connected with Wednesday's effort to bus homeless people to vote and then paying them to train as election workers.

Kleine said it's important that people in Omaha believe in the election process.

Suttle's office called the Forward Omaha effort unfortunate and a mistake.

Stay with KETV NewsWatch 7 for the latest on this story.

[Hat-Trick]

Yep, here in flyover/cattle country we are having a recall election for the Omaha mayor. Our mayor ran on a platform of reducing taxes and creating jobs. Since he has been in office he has raised taxes, signed police & fire union contracts that will bankrupt the city, and hired his crony friends.

Many of us worked our tail off to help gather over 38,000 signatures (over 11,000 more than was required) on the recall petitions to force this recall election. They mayor took us to court to have the signatures thrown out, and lost.

Now the Richard Daley wannabe had his "Forward Omaha" group of supporters show up unannounced with shuttle buses (forever more known as the "Suttle Shuttle") at one of the local homeless shelters yesterday to take the homeless folks to the election commission office where they could register to vote and vote early. After voting, they took them to "election volunteer" training and paid them $5.00 each for attending the training and told them they could possibly have paid jobs working on election day.

Um...yes, because you won't find it in the article, our mayor facing recall is a Democrat.

[shhrubbery!]

Thanks for posting and for your comments. I love hearing about the great state of Nebraska, but Omaha sure has its problems. I remember being shocked to read that urban gangs like the Crips and Bloods had infested Omaha. Gangs in Nebraska?! Guess that's old news now.

Good luck with the Suttle recall. And be glad you have recall as a recourse. Many of us in other states are stuck with our lame-a$$ pols and have no choice but to wait until next election.

[Hat-Trick]

Thanks shhrubbery! I never like to count my chickens before they hatch - but after this week's mayoral shenanigans public sentiment is heavily against hizzoner, and I'm pretty sure this one is in the bag. Early voting is running very strong (like lines at the Election Commissioner's office). This is also the 2nd time Omaha has recalled the mayor (1986 last time), and voter turnout then was likewise very strong.

Anyone else would probably just resign - but this guy is a first class jerk in addition to being a liar. I will post an update late on Jan 25th (election day) unless someone beats me to it.

FRegards,

H-T