Prerecorded candidate calls irritating Kleeb supporters (may adversely affect voter turnout)

[Omaha Steve]

http://theindependent.com/stories/110706/new_robocalls07.shtml

Web-Posted Nov 7, 2006
Prerecorded candidate calls irritating Kleeb supporters
Democratic Party chairwoman says robocalls may adversely affect voter turnout

By Sarah Schulz
[e-mail]

Just because it's Scott Kleeb's prerecorded voice on the other line, doesn't mean his campaign is behind the phone call, according to his communications director.

Prerecorded telephone messages supposedly from Kleeb, a Third Congressional District candidate, have been repeatedly calling people in Central Nebraska, and Ben Lumpkin, Kleeb's communications director, is concerned about the effects.

The messages, known as robocalls, are designed to inform voters about certain candidates. However, Lumpkin said he has received numerous complaints about the prerecorded messages calling repeatedly -- as many as six times an hour.

"Our robocalls don't do that," he said.

FULL story at link above.


http://www.scottkleeb.com/

[Robbien]

1. The irritating robocalls are a big part of the GOP 72 hour GOTV

The GOP hope to make about 30 million of robocalls, all to Dem voters hoping to make Dems stay home.

[kestrel91316]

2. News is out about this scam. It may very well have the opposite effect.

People KNOW it's a tactic by the GOP, and they KNOW Rove is a mastermind at this sort of thing.

Hope it backfires bigtime and a lot of people do jail time over it and are bankrupted by the fines.

[Omaha Steve]

3. Several well read or informed voters thought it was legit & would have stayed home

The radio news and Ne Dem party are trying to speread the word! Here is an email I just got from the state party.



I wanted to pass along the following article from today’s Grand Island Independent.

These calls are happening throughout the state and are designed to keep you from voting today. A large number of calls were placed in the early hours of this morning.

Please spread the word – the Nebraska Democratic Party and our candidates are not behind these calls. They are part of a national effort to keep Democrats from voting in tight races.

Don’t let it stop you or your friends or family from voting today!

Prerecorded candidate calls irritating Kleeb supporters

By Sarah Schulz
[e-mail]
Publication Date: 11/07/06


The letter then has the entire article from the paper.

[rodeodance]

4. Al Frank is talking about this issue now on Air America

[denverbill]

5. If Kleeb loses, this should be grounds to invalidate the election.

This is fucking ridiculous.

[Omaha Steve]

6. UPDATE on calls from the state party

This morning I wrote you to talk about the illegal robo-calls we're hearing about throughout the state. The Automatic Dialing Device calls being received in the Third District are a violation of the Democratic process and a violation of applicable law.

We need your help to trace these calls.

If you receive such a call, please:

1. Utilize caller id to capture the telephone number.

2. Note the date, time and telephone number upon which the call was received.

3. Call the local office of your telephone company and advise them that you received such a call, the date, time and number called.

4. Call 1-800-677-7068 with your information or leave your information on our voice mail system. You can also email the information to [e-mail].

5. Record the call if possible.
6. Please report any and all calls. We need all your information to determine geographic patterns and other demographics. We intend to investigate and if possible cause prosecution of all persons who are involved in this corrupt practice.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,



Barry Rubin

Executive Director

Nebraska Democratic Party