California Recall Daily Thread (10/7/2003) ELECTION DAY! Be sure to vote.

The Recall: A frank talk about illegal immigration

JillStewart.net ^ | Aug 17, 2003 | Jill Stewart
Posted on 10/07/2003 8:46 AM PDT by AgThorn

I am a Radical Centrist with an urge to speak freely coursing through my veins. So I squirmed with delight when former Gov. Pete Wilson blurted out on a talk show a few days back that Arnold Schwarzenegger voted for Proposition 187 in 1994 and thinks illegal immigration is a problem for California.

Hoo boy. Talk about getting something off your chest. I could practically see the lawyers punching in email addresses to organize leftists against Arnold. Private lawyers halted Prop. 187 in court---if only temporarily---and then won by default when Gray Davis went back on his word to voters following his 1998 election as governor and refused to appeal....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996730/posts

"Did You Check For Chads" (Live Reports from the Recall Polling Trenches)

me, myself, and I | truthkeeper
Posted on 10/07/2003 9:02 AM PDT by truthkeeper

Cali FReepers, I thought it might be helpful for our gang to have a our own spot to park a few thoughts (and do a little reporting) after voting today. Hopefully this thread can be that spot, with one sincere request...can we please have NO ELECTIONEERING? Just for this one thread? We're all assuming Grayout gets flushed today, so I hope we can keep this one thread a pleasant oasis where everyone can savor our mutual victory.

I'll go first...

Today was a calm, cool, beautiful California morning. My polling place in Whittier was our fire station. Very minimal parking was available, so most people were parking next door or walking from home. In the 15 minutes I was there, I saw a constant stream of citizens that was getting even heavier by the time I left. I did not see one single soul who was not carrying a sample ballot, so we were a well-prepared group. I also couldn't help noticing that everyone was in an EXCEPTIONALLY good mood, smiling, laughing, and joking around. When I handed my ballot to the poll worker, she asked, "Did you check for chads?" This cracked us all up! People were answering, "You betcha!", "Absolutely!", and giving the "thumbs-up" sign to that question.

Yes, the air in that old fire station was heavy with anticipation and excitement. It felt so good to be an American citizen today...and most especially a Californian!

So here's to our great state of California. Victory is near!....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996740/posts

PROBLEMS IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY:
Calling 299-VOTE for voter services, and selecting to be transferred to a voter-services representative returns you to the initial automated response menu.

Signs indicating the location of the polling place have not been posted on nearby streets, and the poll worker claims they're only required out to 100 yards - are they trying to manufacture a crisis of people unable to find the polling places?

IMO, go and if your name does not appear on their log, ask for a provisional ballot. You'll need to fill it out with your private info, then vote.

They will have to research it later, but today, you vote.

I saw one woman turned away because her name did not appear.

I told her, "there is a procedure for this...I don't know what it is, but you need to find out." Then on my way to work, Bill Handel of KFI announced it.

Be of good cheer. This too will pass.

A cartoon of a man in a sombrero is posted to be humorous I am sure. But there are native and legal residents of California who have been here for generations who are proud of Mexican heritage and many of whom vote Republican. So please think before you classify people.

Also, it is important to make distinctions all the time and it is hard work. Maybe some charges against Arnold are true and maybe some are invented and Arnold himself might not be able to remember every incident in 30 years so that is why he made a general apology. But people have a right to discount late campaign allegations because this has happened so many times before in California campaigns.

I will not feel bad electing Arnold if every charge was true because groping by Arnold is not the reason California ran up a $38 billion deficit, the reason that the car tax has tripled, the reason that jobs have left California, or the reason Davis is issuing millions of drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. So for today, a vote to remove Davis is responsible and a vote for Arnold is a vote to repudiate the dirty tactics of the LA Times.

Tribes' assertive role in race may return to haunt them

San Diego Union Tribune ^ | October 7, 2003 | James P. Sweeney
Posted on 10/07/2003 9:17 AM PDT by John Jorsett

SACRAMENTO – As the recall campaign draws to a close, California's Indian tribes find themselves on the defensive in a fight that some of their own say could have and probably should have been avoided.

The tribes' high-profile role in a campaign that seemed to have little to do with them appears to have eroded some of the deep public support they enjoy. It also could leave them in a weakened political position with a governor they opposed.

"This election is not about Indian tribes, or it shouldn't have been, but it seems to have become that," said tribal attorney Howard Dickstein, who represents several of the state's most successful gambling bands, including Pala of North County.

Their heavy spending in the race has created a perception "that tribes want to own a governor," Dickstein said. But they are backing trailing candidates and opposing front-runner Arnold Schwarzenegger in today's election.

"If Schwarzenegger wins," Dickstein warned, "I think there will be hell to pay." ....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996748/posts

Poll: Sex Allegations Backfire, Arnold Gains

NewsMax.com ^ | 10/07/03 | NewsMax.com Wires
Posted on 10/06/2003 8:49 PM PDT by kattracks

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003
MENLO PARK, Calif. -- In a new poll that replicated the daunting ballot California voters will face at this Tuesday's special election, Arnold Schwarzenegger held his ground and may even have gained support; the allegations of sexual misconduct that have dogged him in recent days appeared to have little immediate effect on his decisive lead.

This is the third and final recall survey sponsored by Stanford University's Hoover Institution and fielded among registered California voters on the Knowledge Networks Panel.

In the new poll of 956 registered voters conducted between September 26th and October 4th, Schwarzenegger was chosen by 43% of respondents, compared to 40% in the two previous Stanford-Hoover polls; the analysis is based on response from 702 likely voters and the sampling margin of error is +/- 3.7 percentage points.

Schwarzenegger's support among Republicans rose from 62% to 72% since the last survey, and he also received "votes" from 20 percent of Democrats and 39 percent of Independents.

And comparisons of data from before versus after the misconduct allegations showed no significant change in the level of support for Schwarzenegger.

The poll also indicates that 59% of California voters still favor the recall itself; in the two earlier polls -- conducted August 29th to September 8th and September 11th to 21st -- support was at 62% and 61%, respectively. Republicans overwhelmingly (94%) favor the recall, while Democrats are increasingly opposed -- 68% are against it, an increase of 10 percentage points since the first Stanford-Hoover survey.

The Stanford-Hoover polls are unique because they presented voters with the same choice they will have to make on election day -- 135 names, with no option for remaining "undecided."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996433/posts

The California Stakes: See what happens when you put liberals in charge?

Opinion Journal ^ | 10/07/03 | editorial board
Posted on 10/06/2003 9:07 PM PDT by Pokey78

As Californians head to the polls today to decide the fate of Governor Gray Davis, we hope all of the sex-related Sturm und Drang of the past few days doesn't obscure the larger picture. What the recall represents is a referendum on the record of modern "progressive" politics.

Not long ago, our friends on the left were hailing Sacramento's liberal-controlled government as the harbinger of a new national Democratic majority. Writing in the June 2001 American Prospect, Harold Meyerson was only mildly more florid than the average pundit in explaining "California's new-found identity as a laboratory of both Democracy and democracy."

In this liberal vision of Eden, where California "is uniformly under Democratic control," Mr. Meyerson noted with approval the enactment of more and more living wage, health-care and worker-rights ordinances. "In city after city," he wrote, "a civic left has emerged in California, with the state's new-model labor movement--the most dynamic in the country--at its core."

In one sense, he was right: The left got what it wanted because much of that agenda has in fact been implemented in California in the past five years. And today, the voting "lab rats" will let Sacramento know what they think of this grand experiment. They've already rendered a verdict of sorts by inviting the recall, and by showing in every poll before the groping and "Hitler" stories broke that they wanted to throw Mr. Davis and his allies out....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/996442/posts?page=1

Cruz Bustamante- A Man's Man! Fox News (Humor)

N/A | 10-06-2003 | dvan
Posted on 10/06/2003 9:19 PM PDT by dvan

Bustamante just made a remark on his podium that if his daughter had been gropped " It would not be a legal suit! It would have been upfront and personal!"

Now that man has guts! Considering it is safe to say that since his daughter wasn't gropped! LOL!!!!

He did have a plan for saving Kalifornia's economy and bringing businessd back! RAISE TAXES!!!!!!RAISE TAXES!!! ....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996449/posts

Hanging Chads For Arnold

Posted on 10/07/2003 9:15 AM PDT by psychopuppy

I went to vote today in the California Recall, but when I tried to vote for #31 Arnold Schwarzneggar for Govenor upon reviewing my ballot I found that it was a hanging chad so I tried to punch again several more times still the same thing, just a hanging chad. I showed it to the poll worker who goes that's a hanging chad and he fixed the ballot for me. If you haven't voted yet make sure you take a good look at your ballot before turning it in....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996746/posts

THIS IS A FOX NEWS ALERT!!! OMGosh, Tom McClintock actually voted! Whowuddathunkit?

!Fox! News! Channel! | 10/07/03 | Fox News Cheesemeister
Posted on 10/07/2003 9:18 AM PDT by Diddle E. Squat

BREAKING! FAST! HARD! WITHIN THE LAST 2 HOURS! WAKEUP YOUR NEIGHBORS!

FOX! NEWS! CHANNEL! is multi-FOX NEWS ALERTING! every 5 minutes this very important earth shattering unbelievable must see video of Tom McClintock ACTUALLY VOTING! Oh my goodness, he actually stepped into the booth and voted! Amazing unexpected development, caught America by surprise! Americans huddling around TV's to monitor this breaking spectacle.

THIS JUST IN! ARNOLD ALSO ACTUALLY VOTED! THIS IS BEYOND BELIEVEABLE!

Only thing more shocking would be for all the candidates to actually vote.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996751/posts

Election - Precinct Report

October 7, 2003 | Hildy
Posted on 10/07/2003 9:19 AM PDT by Hildy

I thought it would be fun to have people report back after voting. My neighborhood is comprised of middle-aged to older voters. Judging by the breakdown given to me by the Republican Party (I'm a poll watcher today) the area is predominantly Democrat.

The workers said that for the first time they could remember there was a line out the door when they opened this morning! The only thing I'm a little nervous about is with all the Schwartzenegger buzz, people are forgetting to vote YES on the recall. It's the first question on the first page and since Arnie is on the last page people have the tendency of just going right to the page with his name. Even my husband almost forgot.

People have been calling the radio shows saying the same thing. A few cried and said they forgot. Oh well...hopefully it will all even out at the end. I plan to call all the Reps on my list to remind them to vote YES on the recall....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996752/posts

Don't forget the two propositions on the California ballot

October 7, 2003
Posted on 10/07/2003 9:20 AM PDT by Tree of Liberty

For everyone in California, don't forget that there are two propositions on today's ballot.

Proposition 53 would set aside 3% of the state budget for infrastructure construction. Personally, I went back and forth on this one, but I took a look at who opposes the measure. I figure if that menagerie is against it, it's probably a good idea.

Proposition 54 would prohibit the state and subordinate governments from collecting racial classification information except in medicine (“Otherwise lawful classification of medical research subjects and patients shall be exempt from this section.”). I'm obviously voting yes on this.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996754/posts

Give the California Media Cell Phones.... please

Posted on 10/07/2003 10:05 AM PDT by Hillary's Lovely Legs

There are literally 100's of journalists, local, national, and international waiting at the Brentwood Polling center at this very moment waiting for Arnold to vote.

They are all disappointed that he hasn't shown up yet, but they are breathlessly awaiting his arrival.

Too bad no one called them to report that Arnold voted over 2 hours ago at his polling center in Pacific Pallisades....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996780/posts

Did Anyone Receive This Deceptive Robo Call in California?

Armstrong & Getty Show ^ | 10.7.03 | Armstrong & Getty
Posted on 10/07/2003 10:07 AM PDT by bootless

I was wondering if anyone had gotten this deceptive robo-call. Armstrong & Getty played it a couple of times this morning. It's by a woman who says (paraphrased - unsure phrases in square brackets):

"As a Republican woman voter, I favor family values. But Arnold Schwarzenegger's [behavior makes it impossible for me to support him], and Tom McClintock can't win. So, vote no on the recall, and let's wait for a REAL Republican in 2006. And also, vote yes on 53 and no on 54. This message brought to you by the Council of Concerned Women (slightly softer voice) Voters."

This is the Democratic platform. There is no such organization as the Council of Concerned Women Voters. She said the word "voters" more softly, and if you weren't listening very carefully, you might think this was the actual conservative women's group Concerned Women for America.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996781/posts

California Race Too Close to Call as Polls Open

reuters ^ | Tue October 7, 2003 12:03 PM ET | Adam Tanner and Gina Keating
Posted on 10/07/2003 10:15 AM PDT by TaxPayer2000

PACIFIC PALISADES/SACRAMENTO, California (Reuters) - California's recall election looked too close to call as voters packed polling stations on Tuesday to decide a race for governor in which Republican actor Arnold Schwarzenegger seeks to unseat unpopular incumbent Democrat Gray Davis.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. PDT (10 a.m. EDT) for Californians to first decide whether to oust Davis, famous for his lack of charisma and dedication to fund-raising, then pick from an assortment of 135 candidates, including the magnetic bodybuilder turned actor.

In Pacific Palisades, an exclusive suburb of Los Angeles where actress Goldie Hawn and director Steven Spielberg also vote, Schwarzenegger was expected to cast his vote early on Tuesday in the garage of a sprawling, gated suburban home.

The words "polling place" were written in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish and English, near a basketball hoop under tall trees, with a garden sprawling alongside.

"I've only seen Arnold here twice and I've been working here for five years," said a poll worker who gave her name only as Sara. "That's pretty bad if you're running for public office," she said, adding that the actor had not cast absentee ballots in the years he hadn't voted.

Although preliminary results were expected Tuesday night after polls close at 8 p.m. (11 p.m. EDT), it could be weeks until the state certifies the official result and some observers held out the prospect of a recount or a court challenge if the vote proves especially close....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/996783/posts

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