I need some opinions on possible evidence of electoral shenanigans.

Vanity | 10/23/02 | Luis Gonzalez

[Luis Gonzalez]

In was having lunch yesterday with a customer, in his Liberty City restaurant, when our table was approached by a well-dressed man.

He was well acquainted with my friend/customer, and began making conversation about the upcoming elections.

He handed my friend a listing of precints open and available for "early voting", then handed him what he called an something like an informative card, to help with the issues and candidates.

My friend introduced this man as a local Minister ot considerable influence.

I grabbed the "informative" card, and threw it in my briefcase, then, as he and I exchanged some pleasntries, my friend informed the Minister that I was a Republican.

He shook my hand, and left.

The cards are posted below.

I have a question:

Isn't there supposed to be some sort of information on these hand outs as to who paid for the political ad?

[Luis Gonzalez]

.....

I am going to be away from my computer for a few hours, but would love some learned opinions on this.

Luis

[Luis Gonzalez]

Any thoughts?

[Luis Gonzalez]

Any thoughts?

[Luis Gonzalez]

Any thoughts?

[js1138]

Is it illegal to make recommendations, or was there some intent to vote illegally?

[alisasny]

Curious.....what are amendments that have no recommendation?

[AbnSarge]

How 'bout that separation of church and state?

Oh, that's right, that only applies when it's a conservative

[eureka!]

In California, yes. Probably elsewhere too. Contact your local or state Republican campaign office or the Secretary of State...

[Cacophonous]

Proof of electoral shenanigans?

Three words:

SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON

[Sabertooth]

:Isn't there supposed to be some sort of information on these hand outs as to who paid for the political ad?

Luis, we're Republicans. Don't you know it's "voter intimidation" either to ask or answer questions like that?

Dwelling on little things like election law is liable to scare away Democrat constituencies. Here's another example.

Actually, I think you're onto something. My mailbox is full of flyers like this from advocacy groups, and they all have a declaration somewhere as to the group that is originating them. I'm sure that's a Federal disclosure rule, not exclusive to California.

While we're on the subject of shenanigans, I'm not a big fan of early or absentee voting anyway (military and foreign service personnel excepted.) Too much opportunity for fraud.

[goody2shooz]

Sure looks suspicious to me! Go get'em, Luis. We're right behind you.

[rellimpank]

--those subversives (angry white males, all of them) that fomented the American Revolution in print, did a lot of their writing anonymously--

[Sabertooth]

Troublemaker.

[Spunky]

Isn't there supposed to be some sort of information on these hand outs as to who paid for the political ad?

I think there is information on the card who paid for them.

Every position says, DEM, DEM, DEM, DEM, DEM, DEM, DEM, DEM, DEM, DEM.;-)

[bert]

I would argue that this an attempt to educate voters and is not only legal, but effective. The way to counter such moves is to make Republican cards and work the streets.

Of interest to me would be the ministers race. I have heard that black churches are political organizations and ministers receive "walking around money" to purvey the partyline message. If the minister is black, it would lend credance to the rumor. If white or hispanic, would indicate a more widespread practice.

Of real interest and of some legal importance would be providing the message and distributing the cards in the church on Sunday morning. You could do us a great service by attending services on next Sunday morning to see and to hear first hand. I must admit that I have almost visited such a church on Sunday but chickened.

[Between the Lines]

The 2001 Florida Statutes


http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0106/titl0106.htm&StatuteYear=2001&Title=-%3E2001-%3EChapter%20106

check out 106.143 and 106.1437

[Hildy]

I don't see the harm. Church groups give out their recommendations. Heck, I go to Roger Hedgecock's website here in San Diego and (usually) vote whatever he says.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"If the minister is black..."

Yes.

[D. Miles]

Call your Local Election Commission office, explain what it is you have, ask about the law pertaining to stating who is putting this out. If this is an individual his name should appear as paid for by so and so...if a group same thing...if a church... they may have broken IRS law by mixing politics and religion.

[Between the Lines]

Churches and Their
Legal Role in Politics....

http://www.familypolicy.net/tips/churches-pol.shtml

As the representative of a church, the pastor can not endorse, promote or oppose political candidates, campaigns or parties. However, as an individual, the pastor may exercise his First Amendment right by involvement in any political activity he chooses.