Created by OnePlusYou -
Created by OnePlusYou -
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Seeing the Light
PICW Bruner and Bill Mason are showing the right answers to the possibility of prosecuting those individuals who switched parties on March 4.
Let's go back to the top of the article, where the secretary of State Brunner says the following:
Where have I heard that before, not just five days ago:
It seems to me, that there is a conflict of interest here between PICW Brunner's role as Chief Election official and the laws of the State. The conflict is that she has sworn to uphold the laws and Constitutions of the USA and the State of Ohio, however, if she is to uphold this election law, she could be violating one of the Chief rights every American is given, Freedom of Speech.
How stupid of me, when the Civil Division Chief reminded everyone that we could have the right to remain silent. Can you imagine trying to prosecute all 20,000 cases and have have every defendant take the Fifth on self-incrimination, that certainly would bring everything to a screeching halt. Also, what County Judge would want to have this case assigned to him or her. That would be a fatal issue for any Judge that would come up for re-election.
If the board did try to prosecute and found the individual guilty, that case would surely be placed on a rocket docket for the Court of Appeals. Then Ohio would once again would placed in an unfavorable light on election issues.
Hopefully, sanity will continue to prevail at the Election Board and those who run it.
Stay tuned, I think this issue may still have some legs.
About 17,100 Republicans and 3,000 Democrats in Cuyahoga County switched parties in the March 4 primary, the county Board of Elections found during an investigation of whether voters lied when they signed affidavits pledging allegiance to their new party.
But Ohio's elections chief warned Tuesday against prosecuting any of these 20,119 crossover voters because doing so could be a violation of free-speech rights.
"I would be very hesitant to move forward in a criminal investigation," Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner said before giving a speech at John Carroll University. "At what point are you going to start getting into censorship?"
The four-member Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, which has two Republicans and two Democrats, would have to vote on pursuing a criminal investigation.
If the board deadlocks, Brunner, a Democrat, would be called on to break a tie.
The board will discuss at its meeting Monday whether to take action.
The board launched its investigation after The Plain Dealer reported on large numbers of Republicans in Cuyahoga County switching parties to vote in the primary.
The board's review, which was finished this week, was aimed at rooting out any voters who broke the law. At the polls, voters who switch parties must sign an affidavit pledging allegiance to their new party. The forms say, "Whoever commits election falsification is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree."
*********
Board member Sandy McNair, a Democrat, said that such admissions could amount to voter fraud, which is punishable by six to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
McNair said he wants county Prosecutor Bill Mason to review the findings. "There are very, very few people that wrote anything that was troubling, " he said. "It seems to me, we still need to look at that."
But Mason, a Democrat, said in a written statement: "It's going to be very difficult if not impossible to make a case against a voter who has switched parties."
The board can issue subpoenas to voters it suspects switched parties for malicious reasons. Those voters would be asked to testify about their intent.
David Lambert, civil division chief of the prosecutor's office, pointed out that those voters compelled to testify have the right to invoke the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from self-incrimination.
"I think it s a very quixotic effort to convict anybody under this statute," Lambert said.
Brunner said the state legislature may review the law.
Let's go back to the top of the article, where the secretary of State Brunner says the following:
But Ohio's elections chief warned Tuesday against prosecuting any of these 20,119 crossover voters because doing so could be a violation of free-speech rights.
Where have I heard that before, not just five days ago:
It seems to me, that there is a conflict of interest here between PICW Brunner's role as Chief Election official and the laws of the State. The conflict is that she has sworn to uphold the laws and Constitutions of the USA and the State of Ohio, however, if she is to uphold this election law, she could be violating one of the Chief rights every American is given, Freedom of Speech.
How stupid of me, when the Civil Division Chief reminded everyone that we could have the right to remain silent. Can you imagine trying to prosecute all 20,000 cases and have have every defendant take the Fifth on self-incrimination, that certainly would bring everything to a screeching halt. Also, what County Judge would want to have this case assigned to him or her. That would be a fatal issue for any Judge that would come up for re-election.
If the board did try to prosecute and found the individual guilty, that case would surely be placed on a rocket docket for the Court of Appeals. Then Ohio would once again would placed in an unfavorable light on election issues.
Hopefully, sanity will continue to prevail at the Election Board and those who run it.
Stay tuned, I think this issue may still have some legs.
Monday, March 24, 2008
SECTION 8 IN LAKEWOOD
Over the weekend CRIMEWOOD posted a diagram provided by CMHA that relates to the locations of all the Section 8 housing in Lakewood.
Here is that diagram;
It's interesting to note that the spread of Section 8 is how I expected. In fact in my recollections with voters in 2005, there was a lot of concern that the Section was spreading and that this diagram bears out that premise.
What is also interesting to me, is where the Section 8 housing is not, I had expected when I viewed this to see a fair amount of property along Lakewood Heights Blvd. bordering the south side of the City along I-90. But, except for a few locations in the East and West, there is hardly any at all.
Another item to look at is to see how its distributed between the wards, I have taken the diagram and have inserted the Ward boundaries to identify the splits:
Click on image to enlarge
In a first look at the Ward divisions, Ward 4 has the most Section 8 and is fairly spread between the Gold coast and Bird Town. That is an undeniable fact based on the amount of rental properties throughout the Ward.
In Wards 2 & 3 they too appear to have a good number of subsidized housing, with Ward 3 have what appears to be more. The spread in these two wards is somewhat even and they reach to the north side of the city.
With respect to Ward 1 it appears that everything is pocketed around Detroit and Madison, but also, along the Riverside Drive area.
It would be a fair assumption to say that if the housing market continues to de-value the residential properties in the retail sector that Lakewood could see an expansion of the subsidized housing because it maybe the only possibility for some homeowners to make the payments.
If an expansion would take place, I believe Wards 1,2 & 3 would see the greatest influx with increased creep north of the Detroit Rd.
Any increase will certainly garner the attention of the Police Department, but it should be a major focus (if not already) of the entire FitzGerald administration.
Here is that diagram;
It's interesting to note that the spread of Section 8 is how I expected. In fact in my recollections with voters in 2005, there was a lot of concern that the Section was spreading and that this diagram bears out that premise.
What is also interesting to me, is where the Section 8 housing is not, I had expected when I viewed this to see a fair amount of property along Lakewood Heights Blvd. bordering the south side of the City along I-90. But, except for a few locations in the East and West, there is hardly any at all.
Another item to look at is to see how its distributed between the wards, I have taken the diagram and have inserted the Ward boundaries to identify the splits:
Click on image to enlarge
In a first look at the Ward divisions, Ward 4 has the most Section 8 and is fairly spread between the Gold coast and Bird Town. That is an undeniable fact based on the amount of rental properties throughout the Ward.
In Wards 2 & 3 they too appear to have a good number of subsidized housing, with Ward 3 have what appears to be more. The spread in these two wards is somewhat even and they reach to the north side of the city.
With respect to Ward 1 it appears that everything is pocketed around Detroit and Madison, but also, along the Riverside Drive area.
It would be a fair assumption to say that if the housing market continues to de-value the residential properties in the retail sector that Lakewood could see an expansion of the subsidized housing because it maybe the only possibility for some homeowners to make the payments.
If an expansion would take place, I believe Wards 1,2 & 3 would see the greatest influx with increased creep north of the Detroit Rd.
Any increase will certainly garner the attention of the Police Department, but it should be a major focus (if not already) of the entire FitzGerald administration.
Friday, March 21, 2008
SIMPLE MATH
Ever wanted to know how to do more than 100% at work;
Here's How: SIMPLE MATH
Via Neptunus Lex and GEO6
Here's How: SIMPLE MATH
Via Neptunus Lex and GEO6
Lunacy At the Board of Election
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has launched an investigation that could lead to criminal charges against voters who maliciously switched parties for the March 4 presidential primary.
Elections workers will look for evidence that voters lied when they signed affidavits pledging allegiance to their new party. And at least one board member, Sandy McNair, a Democrat, wants the county prosecutor to review the findings.
But it remained unclear Wednesday whether the four-member board will agree to pursue prosecution. A 2-2 vote would mean that Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat, would have to break the tie.
The investigation comes 10 days after The Plain Dealer reported that more than 16,000 Cuyahoga County Republicans changed parties before voting March 4.
After the election, some local Republicans admitted they changed parties only to influence which Democrat would face presumed Republican nominee John McCain in November. One voter scribbled the following addendum to his pledge as a new Democrat: "For one day only."
Such an admission amounts to voter fraud, said McNair, who pushed for the investigation.
"I'm looking for evidence," McNair said. "I'm not interested in a witch hunt. But I am interested in holding people accountable, whether they're Democrat or Republican."
Lying on the signed statement is a fifth-degree felony, punishable by six to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Board members expect a report on the county's crossover voters on March 31. The board has the power to issue subpoenas, forcing voters to testify about their intent on election day, McNair said.
Board Chairman Jeff Hastings said the board would have to vote on whether to issue subpoenas.
McNair and the board's other Democrat, Inajo Davis Chappell , both favor issuing subpoenas. The board's two Republicans, however, weren't yet on board with the idea.
Board member Rob Frost, who also serves as the county GOP chairman, had urged Republicans not to change parties for malicious reasons. On Wednesday, he said he hopes the findings from an investigation will be used to prevent similar problems in future elections.
"I haven't seen anything that gives rise, in my mind, to a criminal investigation," Frost said.
Hastings said the investigation's results on March 31 will determine his preferred course of action.
Patrick Gallaway, Brunner's spokesman, said the board hasn't contacted her about prosecuting crossover voters.
For some reason this screams of pure stupidity on the Democratic members of the Board of Elections to go after Republicans who switched parties in the March primary.
Those 16,000 votes did nothing to change any result of any contest.
As the article states that the vote was 2-2 which means PICW (Profile in Courage Award Winner) Jennifer Brunner will have to cast the deciding vote. My guess, she has shown a proclivity to push down the Republican Party as best she can, will vote to issue subpoenas.
It seems to me, that there is a conflict of interest here between PICW Brunner's role as Chief Election official and the laws of the State. The conflict is that she has sworn to uphold the laws and Constitutions of the USA and the State of Ohio, however, if she is to uphold this election law, she could be violating one of the Chief rights every American is given, Freedom of Speech.
At least that would be one of my planks for support. The other issue, is the State will have to prove intent, which maybe a little tougher for the Prosecutors to address.
As part of the intent argument, I would argue that I was merely using one of the tools provided by the Constitution to establish my displeasure with the elected representatives. Also, I was showing my displeasure with perhaps the current crop of candidates in the other party.
One other issue that may need to be researched with past BOE's across the state and as well as former Secretaries of State, has there been any prosecutions relating to voter fraud. If not, a case could be made that this is selective enforcement of the ORC as to voters, thereby, also a violation of the equal protection clause.
Let see some of the areas of the Ohio Constitution that could be cited;
§ 1.02 Right to alter, reform, or abolish government, and repeal special privileges (1851)
All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter, reform, or abolish the same, whenever they may deem it necessary; and no special privileges or immunities shall ever be granted, that may not be altered, revoked, or repealed by the general assembly.
§ 1.11 Freedom of speech; of the press; of libels (1851)
Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of the right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech, or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions for libel, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury, and if it shall appear to the jury, that the matter charged as libelous is true, and was published with good motives, and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted.
§ 1.20 Powers reserved to the people (1851)
This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people; and all powers, not herein delegated, remain with the people.
§ 5.01 Who may vote
Every citizen of the United States, of the age of eighteen years, who has been a resident of the state, county, township, or ward, such time as may be provided by law, and has been registered to vote for thirty days, has the qualifications of an elector, and is entitled to vote at all elections. Any elector who fails to vote in at least one election during any period of four consecutive years shall cease to be an elector unless he again registers to vote.
Which Amendments covers this issue:
Amendment 1:
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances
Amendment 9 - Construction of Constitution. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Amendment 15 - Race No Bar to Vote. Ratified 2/3/1870.
1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Amendment 19 - Women's Suffrage. Ratified 8/18/1920.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Amendment 26 - Voting Age Set to 18 Years. Ratified 7/1/1971.
1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Let's go back to Article 1.20 of the Ohio Constitution:
§ 1.20 Powers reserved to the people (1851)
This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people; and all powers, not herein delegated, remain with the people.
I believe that the power to vote as people see fit remains with the people and not with elected or appointed officials.
Perhaps, the BOE Board members need to reevaluate their actions and move forward without prosecution.
I think if it does happen, they might as well change the signs at the borders from Ohio "The Heart of it all" to THIS IS OHIO NO REPUBLICANS NEED TO RESIDE HERE
A Possible I told you so!
In a previous post, I had stated that the Delegate issue could have long term effects in the November elections, well from this CyberCast News Service article about a recent poll in Pennsylvania does not bode well for the Democrats.
While it is too early to claim McCain as the next President, in fact in concerns me more that he is up so early in the race, but this poll sure must give pause to all three campaigns.
The lengthy Democratic primary contest bodes well for Republican chances of holding the White House, a new poll suggests.
As Democratic Senators Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Clinton of New York slug it out for the nomination, many of their supporters -- at least in Pennsylvania, site of the next major primary -- aren't committed to the party's ticket in November, according to a Franklin & Marshall College Poll.
Among Obama supporters, 20 percent said they would vote for Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the Republican nominee, if Clinton beats their candidate for the nomination. Among Clinton supporters, 19 percent said they would support McCain in November if Obama is the Democratic nominee. (See poll)
The significant number of potential defectors underscores how divisive the Democratic primary has been.
While it is too early to claim McCain as the next President, in fact in concerns me more that he is up so early in the race, but this poll sure must give pause to all three campaigns.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Democratic Delegate Debate
As you have noticed on the left sidebar, I have the delegate count for both parties and you will notice that McCain has the sufficient numbers for the GOP nomination and the Democrats are still slugging it out.
Essentially, the air from the campaigns has been sucked out by the ongoing media discussion of who and how will either campaign secure the total number of delegates for the Democratic Nomination.
The Clinton campaign has been counting the Super Delegates as her linchpin to victory and of course the Obama campaign has been saying "wait a minute" that is not really how its going to be. So they continue to slug it out.
The other part of the discussion of delegates is Florida and Michigan and what to do with those unaccounted delegates.
Let's see Michigan has 128 delegates plus 29 Super delegates for a total of 157. Florida has 210.
Here is a simple solution to the Florida & Michigan delegate problem.
The DNC can amend the rules for this year and determine that all 367 delegates from both states be considered as either At-Large or Super delegates and admit them to the Convention floor and then let them vote during the convention. I think this is a fair way of doing it, so that the voters from those two states don't feel disenfranchised and it allows for equal footing for the Obama campaign, since he adhered to the rules and did not "actively" participate in either primary.
Now I am sure the Clinton campaign won't like my idea, since she won both the states with 50+ percent of the vote.
The other option is to just divide the delegates up by the percentages of vote:
Florida
Clinton: 50% = 105 Delegates
Obama: 33% = 69 Delegates
Edwards: 14% = 29 Delegates
Other: = 7 Delegates
Michigan
Clinton: 55% = 86 Delegates
Uncom.: 40% = 62 Delegates
Kucinich: 4% = 6 Delegates
other: = 3 Delegates
The Michigan 40% Uncommitted voters can be considered as At-Large or can be assigned to Obama.
If it is done by either method that I propose, it still does not get either candidate to the magic number of 2,025. That still leaves the Super Delegates from the rest of the country to fight for either campaign.
I think it will be good television if the DNC allows Florida and Michigan sit on the floor and make their votes count and public during the nomination process.
If the DNC does not decide this soon, then they could be in serious jeopardy of losing the White House in November.
Essentially, the air from the campaigns has been sucked out by the ongoing media discussion of who and how will either campaign secure the total number of delegates for the Democratic Nomination.
The Clinton campaign has been counting the Super Delegates as her linchpin to victory and of course the Obama campaign has been saying "wait a minute" that is not really how its going to be. So they continue to slug it out.
The other part of the discussion of delegates is Florida and Michigan and what to do with those unaccounted delegates.
Let's see Michigan has 128 delegates plus 29 Super delegates for a total of 157. Florida has 210.
Here is a simple solution to the Florida & Michigan delegate problem.
The DNC can amend the rules for this year and determine that all 367 delegates from both states be considered as either At-Large or Super delegates and admit them to the Convention floor and then let them vote during the convention. I think this is a fair way of doing it, so that the voters from those two states don't feel disenfranchised and it allows for equal footing for the Obama campaign, since he adhered to the rules and did not "actively" participate in either primary.
Now I am sure the Clinton campaign won't like my idea, since she won both the states with 50+ percent of the vote.
The other option is to just divide the delegates up by the percentages of vote:
Florida
Clinton: 50% = 105 Delegates
Obama: 33% = 69 Delegates
Edwards: 14% = 29 Delegates
Other: = 7 Delegates
Michigan
Clinton: 55% = 86 Delegates
Uncom.: 40% = 62 Delegates
Kucinich: 4% = 6 Delegates
other: = 3 Delegates
The Michigan 40% Uncommitted voters can be considered as At-Large or can be assigned to Obama.
If it is done by either method that I propose, it still does not get either candidate to the magic number of 2,025. That still leaves the Super Delegates from the rest of the country to fight for either campaign.
I think it will be good television if the DNC allows Florida and Michigan sit on the floor and make their votes count and public during the nomination process.
If the DNC does not decide this soon, then they could be in serious jeopardy of losing the White House in November.
MEDICAL MART COMING TO CLEVELAND
Well after several months of wrangling, the Medical Mart will be coming to Cleveland.
According to the news release, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.(MMPI) will chip in $20 Million. Add that to the money collected from the 1/2 percent sales tax to encourage the development of the Medical Mart and Convention Center and its going to be built.
The next question is where will it be built, that has yet to be determined. I am sure that will take another six months to decide, thereby allowing the county to keep piling up the cash from the sales tax increase.
Let the rebuilding of Cleveland begin again!
I just don't see this being a money making project for the City. I have a feeling that within five years MMPI will tell everyone in Cleveland that they will have to sell or close it up, if they don't get some type community financial support.
So, don't expect the sales tax increase from last year to go away anytime soon!
According to the news release, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.(MMPI) will chip in $20 Million. Add that to the money collected from the 1/2 percent sales tax to encourage the development of the Medical Mart and Convention Center and its going to be built.
The next question is where will it be built, that has yet to be determined. I am sure that will take another six months to decide, thereby allowing the county to keep piling up the cash from the sales tax increase.
Let the rebuilding of Cleveland begin again!
I just don't see this being a money making project for the City. I have a feeling that within five years MMPI will tell everyone in Cleveland that they will have to sell or close it up, if they don't get some type community financial support.
So, don't expect the sales tax increase from last year to go away anytime soon!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Watching New York State
As someone who was born and raised in New York and spent some time in the Assembly Chamber while my father served as an Assemblyman for the 137th/138th District (Niagara County). I have been really amused with the fall from grace of soon to be ex-Governor Eliot Spitzer.
As I write this the New York Post has issued an update indicating that Spitzer will stay on just a little longer.
I have no doubt that the NY Legislature will take an impeachment action against Spitzer, unless Spitzer resigns.
This comment from the Buffalo News attributed to an aide of the Governor's seems to sum it up pretty well:
Among his senior staff, Monday's sense of shock and sadness had, overnight, fallen to anger.
"Idiot," was all one top aide said.
One of my favorite bloggers has the best title for his post "Eliot Mess". Lex goes on to show the point/counter point as to what the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times has said on the same story.
A quick search around the net, the title for Eliot Mess will be used fairly often. Here is one.
Let's face it this guy is not well liked by the members of both parties in the State House and a few of the state's newspapers have wondered where all the hope and promise he had proscribed for the state when he was elected back in November of 2006.
As having family still sprinkled around the state, its been pretty clear that his approval was going down hill, what I didn't realize how fast it had plummeted. He was elected with nearly 70% of the vote and just a few days ago I had seen a story indicating that his approval rating was less than 30% with a negativity rating of 70%.
There is an underlying story here as well, the State is currently in the budget negotiations for FY 2008/2009. That budget needs to be in place by April 1st or they will have to get supplementary appropriations. So, if there is a pet project that the Governor Spitzer wants, it might be a hard sell for him while he is under this black cloud of possible criminal behavior. The constituency might be better served if he resigns and let Lt. Governor Patterson pick up the mantle of moving New York forward.
The other side plot to this is that Spitzer is a Super Delegate for Hillary Clinton, she doesn't need this distraction as well as losing the Super Delegate at this juncture in the Presidential delegate race.
I wonder if Ted Strickland has called to offer his counsel as a minister to help Spitzer through this tough time.
The more I read, I think the aide sums it up the best, what an idiot!
UPDATE MARCH 12, 2008:
Just received word via WIVB-TV (Buffalo) and the AP that Governor Spitzer will resign today effective Monday, March 17, 2008.
As I write this the New York Post has issued an update indicating that Spitzer will stay on just a little longer.
I have no doubt that the NY Legislature will take an impeachment action against Spitzer, unless Spitzer resigns.
This comment from the Buffalo News attributed to an aide of the Governor's seems to sum it up pretty well:
Among his senior staff, Monday's sense of shock and sadness had, overnight, fallen to anger.
"Idiot," was all one top aide said.
One of my favorite bloggers has the best title for his post "Eliot Mess". Lex goes on to show the point/counter point as to what the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times has said on the same story.
A quick search around the net, the title for Eliot Mess will be used fairly often. Here is one.
Let's face it this guy is not well liked by the members of both parties in the State House and a few of the state's newspapers have wondered where all the hope and promise he had proscribed for the state when he was elected back in November of 2006.
As having family still sprinkled around the state, its been pretty clear that his approval was going down hill, what I didn't realize how fast it had plummeted. He was elected with nearly 70% of the vote and just a few days ago I had seen a story indicating that his approval rating was less than 30% with a negativity rating of 70%.
There is an underlying story here as well, the State is currently in the budget negotiations for FY 2008/2009. That budget needs to be in place by April 1st or they will have to get supplementary appropriations. So, if there is a pet project that the Governor Spitzer wants, it might be a hard sell for him while he is under this black cloud of possible criminal behavior. The constituency might be better served if he resigns and let Lt. Governor Patterson pick up the mantle of moving New York forward.
The other side plot to this is that Spitzer is a Super Delegate for Hillary Clinton, she doesn't need this distraction as well as losing the Super Delegate at this juncture in the Presidential delegate race.
I wonder if Ted Strickland has called to offer his counsel as a minister to help Spitzer through this tough time.
The more I read, I think the aide sums it up the best, what an idiot!
UPDATE MARCH 12, 2008:
Just received word via WIVB-TV (Buffalo) and the AP that Governor Spitzer will resign today effective Monday, March 17, 2008.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Did this Influence the Election?
Saw this piece on Cox.net news page.
It sounds like its a new development in voting, however, it happens a lot more than people think. I have said a few times that I did this in 2004.
The problem will be for the GOP to maintain contact with those 16,000 voters during the remaining portion of this election year. The downside for these voters is that they have just increased the amount of campaign literature and phone calls for the November General Election.
Hopefully, none of these 16,000 are precinct or other committee people, that would be bad news for the party as well.
(Cleveland, OH) -- Thousands of Republican voters in Cuyahoga County are newly-minted Democrats. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections says 16-thousand GOP members jumped parties for last week's primary election, but it's not necessarily good news for county Democrats. Elections officials may investigate some Republicans who they believe crossed over to influence the Democratic presidential race in Ohio. Cuyahoga County GOP leaders say national and local talk-radio hosts are to blame for the party-jumping.
It sounds like its a new development in voting, however, it happens a lot more than people think. I have said a few times that I did this in 2004.
The problem will be for the GOP to maintain contact with those 16,000 voters during the remaining portion of this election year. The downside for these voters is that they have just increased the amount of campaign literature and phone calls for the November General Election.
Hopefully, none of these 16,000 are precinct or other committee people, that would be bad news for the party as well.
Winter Wonderland in a Lakewood March!
Looking North towards Lake Erie:
Looking South towards Lake Avenue:
Snowdrift in front of car and garage:
Some perspective as to the depth of the snow in our front yard:
Took about 2+ hours to clear the walkways and portions of the driveway. A neighbor had their driveway plowed, so I paid them to clear my driveway as well:
The worst snow drifts were above the knee deep. The rest were just below the knee or about 19 inches.
There has been sporadic reports in Lakewood that residents got mail, well the mailman didn't arrive on our door step Saturday. But, Saturday was neither fit for man 'nor beast!
My guess this snow will be gone by the weekend.
Looking South towards Lake Avenue:
Snowdrift in front of car and garage:
Some perspective as to the depth of the snow in our front yard:
Took about 2+ hours to clear the walkways and portions of the driveway. A neighbor had their driveway plowed, so I paid them to clear my driveway as well:
The worst snow drifts were above the knee deep. The rest were just below the knee or about 19 inches.
There has been sporadic reports in Lakewood that residents got mail, well the mailman didn't arrive on our door step Saturday. But, Saturday was neither fit for man 'nor beast!
My guess this snow will be gone by the weekend.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Mapping the Primary Results for the Democrats
Here is what is gained from the exit polling:
In Ohio, which has been hard hit by the economy, Clinton won solid victories among men (11%) and women (32%). She also won heavily among voters over 65 (67% to 31%) but lost among younger voters (67% to 32%), precisely what we have seen before. She won a small victory among voters under $100,000 (51% to 48%) and lost narrowly among richer voters (54% to 46%). Education gave the usual picture, with HS graduates heavily tilting to Clinton (by 27%) and people with college and postgraduate degrees going for Obama strongly. The two candidates split the Protestant vote evenly but Clinton won by 19% among Catholic voters. Ohio does not have many Latinos, so something else is going on here. Interestingly enough, union membership didn't make much difference.
From: www.electoral-vote.com
Also, what interesting to see from this same website is how the country is split between Obama and Clinton.
Pink is Clinton, Purple is Obama. The other colors are either up coming primaries or no delegates selected (Florida and Michigan).
Bookmark this website if you would like to follow along the races.
Well I was wrong!
I had anticipated Obama to sweep Texas and Ohio, but that is not the case.
So the Democrats continue to fight for the nomination.
For the GOP that is great news, because it eases the campaign and the fundraising.
Kucinich has has staved off the rest of the contenders in a much stronger fashion than I had expected. He still will have to face Jim Trakas in November.
Tomorrow John McCain will get the endorsement of George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States.
Its time for the rank and file Republicans to begin the work necessary to retain the White House.
So the Democrats continue to fight for the nomination.
For the GOP that is great news, because it eases the campaign and the fundraising.
Kucinich has has staved off the rest of the contenders in a much stronger fashion than I had expected. He still will have to face Jim Trakas in November.
Tomorrow John McCain will get the endorsement of George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States.
Its time for the rank and file Republicans to begin the work necessary to retain the White House.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Time for the Ground Game!
This is where a good campaign organization can pay off. Today here in Cleveland the weather is not the greatest. If this were the General Election, than the GOP would be excited since historically GOP voters are like the mailman, neither sleet nor snow will keep me from my appointed rounds.
But, its just the Primary, this is where the Clinton campaign must shine to have a chance of stemming the tide of Obama mania.
On my way into work I drove by some of the polling locations to see if there was any action. It appeared to be the post morning rush hour, since I didn't see many supporters standing outside the polling locations.
I did see Obama supporters standing on the corner at Starbucks near W117th Street in Cleveland urging people to call the campaign or to vote.
Cleveland.com and Channel 5 are both indicating that there is heavy turnout and that the centralized pick up has been smoothly handled.
There is also anecdotal stories relating to the tabs on the ballots and whether or not the votes will be counted if removed.
I have a contact in the BOE and I am waiting to see if he will respond to my queries regarding to how things might be going.
Now its past the noon hour, so all the campaigns should have been to the polling locations to review the list of people who have voted and then match them up to their voting lists. Once they identify who has yet to vote, the calls will go out to stir them into voting and making sure they have transportation to the polls. This the essence of the ground game!
After 3 pm the next rounds of voter list will be out and then its the final push from all the campaigns to get out the vote.
The BOE is indicating that over 60,000 absentee ballots have already been scanned and ready to be tabulated, so essentially at 7:45pm we should have a good indication of how things might turn out.
Will update if given new information.
But, its just the Primary, this is where the Clinton campaign must shine to have a chance of stemming the tide of Obama mania.
On my way into work I drove by some of the polling locations to see if there was any action. It appeared to be the post morning rush hour, since I didn't see many supporters standing outside the polling locations.
I did see Obama supporters standing on the corner at Starbucks near W117th Street in Cleveland urging people to call the campaign or to vote.
Cleveland.com and Channel 5 are both indicating that there is heavy turnout and that the centralized pick up has been smoothly handled.
There is also anecdotal stories relating to the tabs on the ballots and whether or not the votes will be counted if removed.
I have a contact in the BOE and I am waiting to see if he will respond to my queries regarding to how things might be going.
Now its past the noon hour, so all the campaigns should have been to the polling locations to review the list of people who have voted and then match them up to their voting lists. Once they identify who has yet to vote, the calls will go out to stir them into voting and making sure they have transportation to the polls. This the essence of the ground game!
After 3 pm the next rounds of voter list will be out and then its the final push from all the campaigns to get out the vote.
The BOE is indicating that over 60,000 absentee ballots have already been scanned and ready to be tabulated, so essentially at 7:45pm we should have a good indication of how things might turn out.
Will update if given new information.
Monday, March 03, 2008
BACK TO CHAPPAQUA
All the vote counting will probably go into the early morning hours. The County BOE has indicated that over 100,000 absentee ballots went out for voting.
Just this weekend and today nearly 1000 votes were cast at the BOE on Euclid.
What does this all mean, Ohio is once again the "Heart of it all" for the 2008 Primary season.
As I have said in an earlier post I voted in early February, so I have been able to sit back watch and listen to the Obama and Clinton campaigns.
They have talked about issues, they have talked about their differences and they have even squabbled about who said what.
The question remains who do the Democrats want to be their standard bearer in November against John McCain.
Who does the rank and file Democrat feel can bring change to America; Who can get us out of the Iraq war as fast as possible: Who is going to listen to the common man and not the special interest.
That person for Ohio is Barack Obama.
This is by no means a easy victory for Obama, as I said earlier the votes will counted until well after midnight, but I believe the Obama will end up 8 - 10 percentage points higher than Hillary Clinton.
I also believe that Obama will continue his winning streak and end Clinton's campaign for the Presidency by sweeping the other three states up for grabs tomorrow.
This campaign season will be studied by Poli Sci folks for a long time as to determine how the presumptive Democratic candidate got smoked when the Primaries came a calling.
I think in the short term, the political historians will say that America has grown weary of the Clintons and that Obama was there at the right time with the right message.
So, let the VEEPS Sweepstakes begin!
Just this weekend and today nearly 1000 votes were cast at the BOE on Euclid.
What does this all mean, Ohio is once again the "Heart of it all" for the 2008 Primary season.
As I have said in an earlier post I voted in early February, so I have been able to sit back watch and listen to the Obama and Clinton campaigns.
They have talked about issues, they have talked about their differences and they have even squabbled about who said what.
The question remains who do the Democrats want to be their standard bearer in November against John McCain.
Who does the rank and file Democrat feel can bring change to America; Who can get us out of the Iraq war as fast as possible: Who is going to listen to the common man and not the special interest.
That person for Ohio is Barack Obama.
This is by no means a easy victory for Obama, as I said earlier the votes will counted until well after midnight, but I believe the Obama will end up 8 - 10 percentage points higher than Hillary Clinton.
I also believe that Obama will continue his winning streak and end Clinton's campaign for the Presidency by sweeping the other three states up for grabs tomorrow.
This campaign season will be studied by Poli Sci folks for a long time as to determine how the presumptive Democratic candidate got smoked when the Primaries came a calling.
I think in the short term, the political historians will say that America has grown weary of the Clintons and that Obama was there at the right time with the right message.
So, let the VEEPS Sweepstakes begin!
PRIMARY DAY 2008 - 10th District
Tomorrow is the deciding day for Dennis Kucinich, will he remain the incumbent for the 10th District Congressional race or will he be going home.
This contest was essentially decided when the ballot came out with 5 names:
Rosemary Palmer
Barbara Ann Ferris
Thomas O'Grady
Joseph Cimperman
Dennis Kucinich
If this was a straight up race with Kucinich vs Cimperman or O'Grady then there might be a different outcome.
Even though Cimperman has put a lot of money into this campaign and there is a lot of frustration with Kucinich, I still see the vote split between Palmer, Ferris, O'Grady and Cimperman, which puts Kucinich up against the GOP nominee in the fall.
Take Kucinich +/- 5% difference between he and Cimperman.
Who will Dennis! meet in November, Jim Trakas.
The GOP race was over for Jason Werner as soon as Trakas announced. Werner will be lucky if he garners even 10% of the vote.
With Kucinich/Trakas race the big question will be, will those Democrats who were frustrated with Kucinich stay on the Democratic side or will they cross over to Trakas.
Time will tell.
If Cimperman is able to knock off Kucinich, than that will be the second story for Wednesday. The money race from both congressional campaigns will most likely flow in from Washington.
This contest was essentially decided when the ballot came out with 5 names:
Rosemary Palmer
Barbara Ann Ferris
Thomas O'Grady
Joseph Cimperman
Dennis Kucinich
If this was a straight up race with Kucinich vs Cimperman or O'Grady then there might be a different outcome.
Even though Cimperman has put a lot of money into this campaign and there is a lot of frustration with Kucinich, I still see the vote split between Palmer, Ferris, O'Grady and Cimperman, which puts Kucinich up against the GOP nominee in the fall.
Take Kucinich +/- 5% difference between he and Cimperman.
Who will Dennis! meet in November, Jim Trakas.
The GOP race was over for Jason Werner as soon as Trakas announced. Werner will be lucky if he garners even 10% of the vote.
With Kucinich/Trakas race the big question will be, will those Democrats who were frustrated with Kucinich stay on the Democratic side or will they cross over to Trakas.
Time will tell.
If Cimperman is able to knock off Kucinich, than that will be the second story for Wednesday. The money race from both congressional campaigns will most likely flow in from Washington.
PRMARY DAY 2008
Thank God its here -- Perhaps now Joe Cimperman will quit calling me everyday to get my vote!
Since I already voted a month ago I have more or less just been a somewhat dispassionate listener to all the candidates.
There are really only three races that I have been following here in Cuyahoga County, they are:
1) Common Pleas Judge (Democratic)race (term commencing 2/9/09) between Deena Calabrese, James Satola and Patrick Talty.
2) 10th Congressional District race on both sides of the aisle
3) Democratic Presidential Race
I have also been curious about the Court of Appeals race with Judge Carroll in it. The question for Judge Carroll is that can he leap over the other three for the nod. Its my guess that his role as a Muni-Judge could be a detriment. My bet will be on Stuart Friedman getting the nod.
As to the 2/9/09 Common Pleas Judicial race, this is between a Bill Mason protege (Calabrese), a guy who seems to be a professional candidate (Talty) and my colleague, James Satola.
I will be upfront I am biased in this race, I would really like to see Jim get this nod for November. Vote Satola!
The other two races I will do in follow up posts, they each deserve their own.
Since I already voted a month ago I have more or less just been a somewhat dispassionate listener to all the candidates.
There are really only three races that I have been following here in Cuyahoga County, they are:
1) Common Pleas Judge (Democratic)race (term commencing 2/9/09) between Deena Calabrese, James Satola and Patrick Talty.
2) 10th Congressional District race on both sides of the aisle
3) Democratic Presidential Race
I have also been curious about the Court of Appeals race with Judge Carroll in it. The question for Judge Carroll is that can he leap over the other three for the nod. Its my guess that his role as a Muni-Judge could be a detriment. My bet will be on Stuart Friedman getting the nod.
As to the 2/9/09 Common Pleas Judicial race, this is between a Bill Mason protege (Calabrese), a guy who seems to be a professional candidate (Talty) and my colleague, James Satola.
I will be upfront I am biased in this race, I would really like to see Jim get this nod for November. Vote Satola!
The other two races I will do in follow up posts, they each deserve their own.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Barack Obama on Infrastructure
Today I was listening to POTUS '08 on XM Radio, they were covering a rally for Barack Obama in Texas.
I have finally heard something new from him. Its his ideas for repairing the country's roads and highways.
He pledges 60 Billion dollars over 10 years, so if you break that down, that equates to 6 Billion dollars per year, divide that by 50 states equals 1.2 Billion for each state, that equates to 2 Euclid Corridor projects (200 Million) and 1 Innerbelt project (currently estimated at 850 Million)every year.
But wait there's more:
Divide Ohio's share by 88 counties and that equals to 13.6 million dollars for each county. There roughly 72 cities and towns in Cuyahoga, an equal share would bring in 189,393 dollars per year.
Lakewood's share of $189,393 dollars would be 2 to 3 deep grind and overlays every year. No work on the sewers. Those repairs will be reaching nearly a million dollars per street every year that nothing is accomplished.
There is the Hope and Change America is looking for in 2008.
The only thing I haven't heard yet from Obama or Clinton is that they are going to put 100,000 more cops on the street!
These types of programs are a farce for the election year hype!
UPDATE:
Someone from Austin Texas dropped in this youtube clip in the comment section which has nothing to do with my post on the Obama's highway initiative.
Since this clip is on NAFTA, perhaps the Obama supporter can clarify the point that Obama will not really pull out of NAFTA as he stated in the debate in Cleveland last week.
I have finally heard something new from him. Its his ideas for repairing the country's roads and highways.
He pledges 60 Billion dollars over 10 years, so if you break that down, that equates to 6 Billion dollars per year, divide that by 50 states equals 1.2 Billion for each state, that equates to 2 Euclid Corridor projects (200 Million) and 1 Innerbelt project (currently estimated at 850 Million)every year.
But wait there's more:
Divide Ohio's share by 88 counties and that equals to 13.6 million dollars for each county. There roughly 72 cities and towns in Cuyahoga, an equal share would bring in 189,393 dollars per year.
Lakewood's share of $189,393 dollars would be 2 to 3 deep grind and overlays every year. No work on the sewers. Those repairs will be reaching nearly a million dollars per street every year that nothing is accomplished.
There is the Hope and Change America is looking for in 2008.
The only thing I haven't heard yet from Obama or Clinton is that they are going to put 100,000 more cops on the street!
These types of programs are a farce for the election year hype!
UPDATE:
Someone from Austin Texas dropped in this youtube clip in the comment section which has nothing to do with my post on the Obama's highway initiative.
Since this clip is on NAFTA, perhaps the Obama supporter can clarify the point that Obama will not really pull out of NAFTA as he stated in the debate in Cleveland last week.
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