Recount News: Richardson OKs Evidence Destruction

[Twist_U_Up]

http://www.votecobb.org/press/2005/jan/pr2005-01-14.php

In a letter faxed today to the New Mexico Attorney General's office, an attorney representing the two presidential candidates objected to the voting machines being cleared and suggested that the Secretary of State was "shirking her responsibility to insure uniform application of the election laws" by allowing county clerks to decide on their own whether or not to clear the voting machines.

"Although, generally, voting machines can be cleared 30 days after the official certification of the vote, New Mexico law is clear that this can't happen when a recount has been initiated. With an appeal pending in the New Mexico court system, any adjustment to the machines at this time is clearly inappropriate and contrary to state law," said Lowell Finley, one of the attorneys representing the candidates.

Voting rights attorneys will file a request for a temporary restraining order tomorrow against the State Canvassing Board and county clerks seeking to prevent them from clearing voting machines.

The State Canvassing Board, consisting of the New Mexico's Governor, Secretary of State and Chief Justice, met tonight and formally rejected a proposal from Cobb and Badnarik for a partial recount of the presidential vote, which would have expedited the process, saved time and avoided any costs to taxpayers. Previously, the Secretary of State had unilaterally rejected this proposal though she lacked the authority to do so.

"New Mexico's Governor and Secretary of State are doing such a poor job of following state law that they're starting to make Ohio's Kenneth Blackwell look good by comparison," said Cobb-LaMarche Media Director Blair Bobier.

For more information about the Cobb-LaMarche campaign and its recount efforts in New Mexico and Ohio, see www.votecobb.org.

[righteous1]

1. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if ole BR's not got a few items he

wouldn't rather keep buried

[New Earth]

2. that's too bad

hmm. wtf is he hiding?

[righteous1]

4. He has been an obstacle to the recount from the beginning, so

one would assume he did not want the votes re-looked at

[autorank]

3. Attn. NM DUers. What's the deal on Richardson & this stuff?

I'm loath to weigh in on this absent some confirmation from a NM DUer who understands a bit more of what's going on. On the surface, this is extremely concerning but NM DUer's, help!

[troubleinwinter]

5. Article dated last Friday, 1/14. I wonder what if anything

is happening with the TRO request. Today is a Federal Holiday, so courts closed?

[Wilms]

6. I noticed and wondered. n/t