[Congressman Billybob]

Beginning with the Governor, most of the state officials in South Dakota are Republicans. They do have a slightly greater incentive to run an investigation, and they have the authority to encourage it. This is a state matter, not a federal one (the civil investigation, not the Red Earth crimes).

The best way to encourage this is an old-fashioned FReep of the administration of S.D., and the press of S.D., with maybe Fox News and the Wall Street Journal thrown in. The process would work just as well in getting facts if it were done by media as by the state -- as I point out in the article.

And the FReep of the state officials should point out the gross embarrassment if the media do it TO them, rather than their doing FOR their own citizens. (Democrats, in reality would have to be dragged along, kicking and screaming. But that's okay. They're in the minority in S.D.)

The GOP nationally might encourage this result, but it should not have a visible, up-front role.

Does that make sense?

Billybob

[sweetliberty]

"The process would work just as well in getting facts if it were done by media as by the state"

And what is the motivation for the media?

[Navy Patriot]

Billybob, this is an excellent and well assembled article. It helped me understand the complexities of vote fraud investigations. I only had one question in my mind: how do we insure that this isn't just ignored officially? Then I read your response #10

(Democrats, in reality would have to be dragged along, kicking and screaming. But that's okay. They're in the minority in S.D.)

The Pubbie majority would see to it. I learned a lot, thanks.

[okie01]

Brilliant.

I refer to the article leading the thread. And to your reply #10...

When Thune conceded, his language suggested that he was encouraging something along the lines you are proposing.

It is not, however, something that he can take the lead in.

In addition, Thune is now positioned to squash Daschle (or whosomever might run in his stead) in 2004.

We didn't win the Jackrabbit State like we figured, but we can still make chicken salad out of this...well, y'know...