Tobin seeks to overturn conviction (Republican election phone jammer)

[Judi Lynn]

Tobin seeks to overturn conviction
January 20, 2006

CONCORD, N.H. --Lawyers for a former national Republican Party official from Maine are trying to overturn his U.S. District Court conviction arising from a scheme to jam the Democrats' get-out-the-vote phone lines during the 2002 elections in New Hampshire.

Three motions filed earlier this week on behalf of Bangor's James Tobin seek a new trial, a judgment of acquittal and a nullification of the judgment in his case.
(snip)

After a six-day trial, jurors last month found Tobin guilty of conspiring to jam phone lines and aiding and abetting in the jamming. He was acquitted of the more serious charge of conspiring to deprive New Hampshire residents of their right to vote.
(snip)

In one of the motions, Tobin's lawyers argue that the allegations in the indictment don't fit the alleged crime because the phone-jamming plan did not intend to threaten, frighten or cause serious emotional distress on the recipient.
(snip)

He stepped down as regional campaign chairman of President Bush's re-election campaign in October 2004, when Democrats filed a lawsuit alleging that he took part in the phone-jamming scheme.
(snip/...)

http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2006/01/20/tobin_seeks_to_overturn_conviction/

[Mithras61]

1. I'm confused...

"In one of the motions, Tobin's lawyers argue that the allegations in the indictment don't fit the alleged crime because the phone-jamming plan did not intend to threaten, frighten or cause serious emotional distress on the recipient."

He was found guilty of conspiracy & aiding & abetting a felony, not terrorist acts. I fail to see how these crimes require any threats, frightening or causation of emotional distress to fit.

[Judi Lynn]

3. It truly doesn't compute. These people try one's patience. Pathetic asses

don't feel it's right to be asked to face the consequences of their acts.

[aquart]

4. Well, it would be rare and strange.

[NanceGreggs]

2. Excuse me??????

"... did not intend to threaten, frighten or cause serious emotional distress on the recipient."

Tampering with the voting process in a presidential election? It didn't even affect me, personally, but I am THREATENED, FRIGHTENED AND EMOTIONALLY DISTRESSED just thinking about this being done.

Treason is treason -- and THAT'S what this low-life should have been charged with.

[ovidsen]

5. Guilty

The wingnuts are making tons of hay over those misguided Wisconsin guys who slashed the tires of GOP vehicles on election day, claiming it was part of a national supress the Bush vote by Democrats.

It wasn't of course. This was SO much worse. Send this guy to prison.

[SoCalDem]

6. Pit bulls never turn loose.. neither do republicans

by sheer force of will and ample use of vitriol, they keep plugging away until they get their way. That's why they win.. They never abandon even a minor issue..Coordination of evil tactics, focused like a laser beam..

[f-bush]

7. tobin needs to spend the rest of his life in prison

he's nothing but a cheatin' gop serial whore!

[stepnw1f]

8. Typical of a Criminal

Never admitting to guilt!