Well, I've been in Ohio all day and have not had much chance to read mail, but here
are some interesting tidbits that have come in over the day.
ISSUE #1 - 19,000 Ballots thrown out.
It turns out that in 1996, with much lower turnout, almost 15,000 ballots were thrown
out. Thus, this figure is statistically not unusual, and cannot justify a revote, nor
can it be blamed on the "butterfly" ballot (as the format is known.)
ISSUE #2 - Butterfly ballots are confusing.
Turns out that butterfly ballots have been used several times before, including in
Gore Campaign Chairman Daley's own Cook County, IL. Most importantly, a local judge,
the County Elections Director (a registered Democrat and Gore supporter), and *both*
campaigns approved the ballot beforehand. This effectively eliminates any legal
basis for the Gore campaign to call for a recount.
ISSUE #3 - Pat Buchanan had an usually large support at 3,500 votes.
Maybe not. The Reform Party congressional candidate had 2,500 votes. Buchanan puled
3,000 votes here in a meaningless Republican Primary in 1996 (Dole had already won the
nomination.) Since 1996, Reform Party registration has doubled here, to 16,000
refistered voters (compared to less than 1,000 in a neighboring County.) Thus, it is
reasonable to believe that Pat really had those votes.
Finally, I am very concerned that there may be a "Salem Witch Trial Effect." People
are very open to the power of suggestion, and it is very easy to be "convinced" that
you messed up a ballot that you can't see any more.
Both sides shuld abide by the recount (which at this point either side could win) and
be done with it.
John D. Giorgis
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
________________________________________________________________
To get your free Web-based E-mail go to http://www.nandomail.com
