Sounds like this guy and the Buddhist temple campaign contributions.
Posted on 06/06/2002 7:23:52 PM PDT by mhking
Charges Against McKinney Settled
Provided By: The Associated Press
Last Modified: 6/6/2002 10:04:53 PM
The State Election Board settled charges of
illegal campaigning against U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney and her father on Thursday after a state attorney said that proving the case before an administrative law judge would be "very
difficult."
Rather than pursue the charges, the board voted 3-1 to accept an agreement offered by the pair in which, while denying they violated a law prohibiting election-day campaigning within a polling place during the 2000 election, they promised not to violate it in the future.
McKinney is a Democrat, as is her father, state Rep. Billy McKinney of Atlanta. The complaint was raised by Republicans.
John Sours, the Republican Party's appointee to the board, argued unsuccessfully to send the case to an administrative law judge for a full hearing.
His motion to reject the settlement died for lack of a second by any of the other three members, one appointed by the Democratic party and one each appointed by majority Democrats in the House and Senate.
The board has power to impose civil fines of up to $5,000 for campaign law violations.
"It shows we have the very opposite of zero tolerance in Georgia -- we have a policy of zero enforcement of election violations," said state Rep. Bob Irvin, R-Atlanta, who sat through the hour-long meeting.
Neither of the McKinneys were present, but their lawyer, Ken Canfield, told the board a hearing would last weeks, cost thousands of dollars and likely be unable to resolve conflicting testimony about what happened at the election precinct.
Ultimately, he said the issue is "a political dispute better handled through the ballot box than an administrative hearing."
Two DeKalb County poll watchers told the board during a preliminary hearing in December that McKinney had gone to a precinct at Stoneview Elementary School where large crowds of voters still were in line at closing time and urged them to remain to cast votes, telling them, "Please don't leave, I need your vote."
It is a violation of election law to campaign within 150 feet of the polls.
Other witnesses said they never heard McKinney use those words and she denied making the statement.
Her father was additionally accused of interfering with an election voter, but there was conflicting testimony about that, too, and the elder McKinney denied the charge.
If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)
I love this line. Trickle Down Immorality in full effect...
Sounds like this guy and the Buddhist temple campaign contributions.
Don't be silly. McKinney, Waters, Jackson Lee are untouchable. (Not that I'd want to, mind.)
Oh well, suspected the McKinneys would get away with it. Maybe they won't next time, or maybe the next election will take care of Cindy.
GA FReepers, we need to be at the polls with video cams as poll watchers. Anyone know the GA rules for being a poll watcher? The primary is not that far away, and her and daddy Billy are as likely to cheat there against a Dem as they were against a Pubbie in the general election two years ago.
Give us all the same $150,000 a year that a congress critter gets and we'll lie to you just like a congress critter. Honest.
I didn't want you to feel all alone, introducing totally irrelevant material on a thread.
Wake up Atlanta! Are you going to keep these thugs in office or will you do "the right thing" and vote in someone of honesty and integrity?
I think I already know the answer to that one....[sigh]
If you filmed her in the act you would probably be the one punished, for "illegaly using a camera at a polling place". She would still go free.
The Georgia Primary is August 20 - Her competition in the Democratic primary, Denise Majette, will be on "Free Speech Saturday" with Mike Rose on WALR Talkradio 1340/1230AM from Noon to 2P on Saturday (tomorrow).
The show is broadcast live from the Landmark Diner in Buckhead, and a live audience is more than welcome. (Unfortunately, it isn't streamed yet) Mike's a good friend (not to mention my boss on Sunday's), and he is more than happy to let listeners and visitors join in the conversation. So Atlanta FReepers, by all means join in the fun, and pass the word!
If only these poll watchers would have had some video cameras running at the time. If you're going to watch polls for illegality, at least have the sense to gather evidence to support your charges in court.
Georgians, your mission is clear...McKinney must be defeated. She won't leave due to shame of being caught.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.