If the fraud occurs, the GOP has lost. Media reaction isn't as important as the GOP poll watchers who might prevent it.
And, speaking in terms of unintended consequences, many people are thinking that the sniper attacks in Mont. Co. might keep the turn-out low. Since that is one of the three Dem strongholds in the state, that is bad news for the dims.
And who can forget the infamous Sun paper cartoon of a judge's mallet being brought down (and violently squishing) "Ellen Sourgrapes?" "Ha-ha. They got her!" The DIM led leaders and the DIM following media won't pick up on the charges, even if they're made. Plus, they can always rely on The Jackson Faction comin' to town to blow the "voter intimidation" smokescreen to cover their dirty tracks.
Now, the shooter is caught(?) - (so the DIM districts are free to do their underhanded deeds). But he wasn't an EVILLLL white male NRA militia guy who bought all his weapons in the Free state. So the DEMs won't get as much anti-GOP, NRA traction as they might hope.