Yeee...ha! Pennsylvania gains over 100,000 Democrats, Republicans lost over 13,000

[Lobster Martini]

(LM: This is from the Philadelphia Inquirer. The link to the full article is below.)

More Democrats, fewer Republicans in Pennsylvania

<snip>

State registration numbers show that since last November, the Democratic Party has gained a whopping 111,227 new voters. In that same time frame, the Republican Party lost 13,391 people from its ranks.

Perhaps even more alarming for the state GOP: Since the beginning of the year, 57,651 residents who were already registered voters - either Republicans, independents, or in any other party - switched to become Democrats. In contrast, only 10,754 already-registered voters filed party-change applications to become Republicans.

<snip>

The most recent statewide registration numbers show a huge uptick in registrations since the beginning of the month, when it became clear that Pennsylvania's primary was going to matter.

In the week beginning March 3, 8,674 people switched parties to become Democrats. The next week, 22,174 people switched parties to become Democrats - 8,100, about 36 percent of them, from Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

<snip>

(Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/elections/20080321_More_Democrats__fewer_Republicans_in_Pennsylvania.html

(LM: I am proud to add that, of the 13,391 voters the Republicans lost, the last one is my father. He preferred Edwards, as did I, but we will both vote for the Democratic party candidate. It is the first time we have ever agreed, and that is something I didn't expect to happen.)

[Hugabear]

1. Anyone who still identifies themselves as a Rethug is an idiot or a crook

After eight years of *, how can anyone proudly announce that they're still a repuke?

[MikeNearMcChord]

2. This is one of the more under reported stories of this election

It is happening all over, the country, despite the Hillary-Obama pie wars.
I would love to own the Rolaids and liquor concession, at the Republican National Convention.

[SoCalDem]

4. true...but when did Rush start telling the minions to muck up our election??

The November switchers, I would believe...because back then the republican slate was full, but any who switched after Mccain was declared the last man standing, i would be a bit suspicious of..

Closed primaries dictate thet they MUST switch in order to vote..

[babylonsister]

3. I saw this this a.m. regarding PA-I hope it's wrong:

http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2008/3/20/184322/474

The Limbaugh Effect Hits Pennsylvania

by Steven D
Thu Mar 20th, 2008 at 06:43:22 PM EST

At the urging of Rush Limbaugh, thousands of conservative Republicans crossed party lines to vote in Ohio and Texas for Hillary Clinton in an effort to sabotage the Democratic Party's nomination process, in what Limbaugh dubbed "Operation Chaos." Those were states that held open primaries where Republicans could vote in the Democratic primary if they chose to do so. However, since Pennsylvania is a closed primary state (i.e., only registered Democrats can vote in the primary) it was thought that the Limbaugh Effect would have little bearing on the outcome of the race. Well, that assumption may just be dead wrong:

Even in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, where the April 22 primary is closed to independents and Republicans, there are signs that some Republicans are going so far as to switch their party registration by the March 24 deadline to participate in what Limbaugh has dubbed "Operation Chaos." In the last five months, there has been a 2.2% increase in the number of registered Democrats in Pennsylvania versus a tiny dip of 0.12% in Republican numbers. Veteran Pennsylvania pollster Terry Madonna expects some 100,000 new Democrats to vote on April 22, about 5% of the total expected to vote. In historic Gettysburg, Adams County Elections Supervisor Monica Dutko told the local newspaper, The York Daily Record, she was a seeing an unprecedented steady stream of switchers, some of whom volunteered they were changing registration from Republican to Democrat at the urging of Limbaugh. <...>

In both Ohio and Texas, Republicans and independents were a higher percentage of the votes than in other states. "Based on past results, you would think that favors Obama, who has done well in 'open' Democratic primaries where Republicans can cross over on election day," said. Obama won among California independents 58-32%; Virginia Republicans went for him 72-23; and he won Missouri Republicans 75-21. But in Texas and Ohio the two Democrats split the Republican/independent vote. It appears "the Hillary Republicans cost Obama Texas," Mann said, adding that without detailed vote analysis and interviews it is difficult to say for certain. The Mississippi results a week later confirmed the trend. "There was a complete reversal," Mann said, and Obama was now losing Republicans and independents two to one to Clinton. "Without a doubt, Rush, and to a lesser extent me, had some effect on the Republican turnout," Ingraham told Fox News. "When you look at those exit polls, it is really quite striking."

Isn't this just peachy. Rush Limbaugh is manipulating the Democratic primaries in order to affect the outcome of the general election in favor of McCain and the Republicans. Kos tried to keep Romney in the race in Michigan using a similar call for Democrats to vote in the Republican primary contest, but obviously it wasn't nearly as successful as Limbaugh's Operation Chaos campaign. Rush does have the bigger mouthpiece, after all. If Clinton wins Pennsylvania and then goes on to win the nomination will she be sending roses to Rush? We already know her campaign sent Bill out to appear on Limbaugh's radio show the day of Ohio and Texas primaries. Was that an implicit quid pro quo for the help he was giving their campaign? And what kind of person courts the favor of the man who has consistently demonized Democrats, in general, and both her and her husband, specifically, for decades?

This is what turns off so many people from voting in America. If Clinton wins the Democratic nomination with an assist from Rushbo, how many Obama voters will not show up for the general election? And how many who might have voted for Obama will instead vote for McCain? This is just pure speculation on my part, but I suspect that both numbers easily could be in the tens of millions.

So super-duper delegates, this is my question to you. Is that what you really want? To allow Rush Limbaugh to rig the election by helping keep the Clinton campaign afloat? Well, is it? Because the longer this goes on the more that seems to be the case.

[Submariner]

6. It's amazing that a drug-addled pedophile like Rush gets so much attention n/t

[mwb970]

7. Who would vote a certain way because a millionaire radio host told them to?

This is truly sheeplike behavior, but what else from the dittoheads? I can't imagine allowing a voice on the radio to control any aspect of my life, but I guess some people need this level of guidance.

:shrug:

[flyarm]

8. markos at daily kos did the same thing in Michigan ..and thousands and thousands of dems crossed

over and voted for Romney..

that is why Obama would not let the re-vote happen in Michigan..because if people voted in repub primary they weren't going to be allowed to vote again as a dem ,in the dem re-vote..

oh so Obama's cheaters were not going to be allowed to come back and vote a second time under a second party..gee..amazing huh..Obama will disnenfranchises over 2 million people..because his cheaters would not be able to vote twice under two different parties.



what a scum bag!

and the DNC thinks this will be ok with the MI and Fla voters in Nov?? what drugs are they smokin?????????

i saw the first Obama bumpersticker here in my county yesterday in Fla..

it said..

GOD DAMN AMERICA..with a red line drawn through the AMERICA..and over top of the crossed out America..was OBAMA..

personally ..with all the money and work i have done for so many years for the DNC and the Dem party..i am going to go re-register as an indy..fuck the dem party..they don't want my vote..they won't get it.

I as a former delegate for my state will stand with the delegates that were legally voted in my state of Florida.

I was declared as a Delegate for Edwards..he was not viable..but i will stand with the other delegates...who represent alot of dems in my state.

and i will leave this fucked up party that doesn't think my vote is worth a shit!

oh and i will no longer fight for the black and minority vote either..i was a poll watcher at large..one of only 2 at large in my county..so i was sent into the minority areas to make sure they were not disenfranchised ..and to make sure they were allowed to vote and that their votes would be counted..

fuck it now..

I am now disenfranchised..so everyone is on their own i guess now..Obama and Dean and Donna Brazile gave us a big fuck you..so i will give it right back!

i will not spend two weeks working early vote nor the general..and being brow beaten by the repiglican bubba's who do everything to intimidate poll watchers...no sireee..fuck it!

i will sit on the beach and enjoy myself instead!..and drink umbrella drinks..like everyone else instead of pissing my time away caring about others votes.


the dem party doesn't give a shit..so why should I?
fly

[babylonsister]

9. Did you always shape facts to suit your opinions? I never noticed

that before from you. Kinda sad.

[flyarm]

13. have you always accused others of what you are doing?

google is your friend!!..there is lots more there...

oh just wondering....is Obama disenfranchising your vote? i bet not..well he is mine and the people that elected me 4 years ago to represent them.

ahhhhh but what do i know..i am just a typical white woman..

whoooo happens to be married to a double minority... with a double minority child.

silly me..


http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/12/liberal_bloggers_forromney.html

Liberal Bloggers for...Romney?
By Jose Antonio Vargas
When it comes to the Democratic primaries, the liberal blogosphere - aka the netroots -- is a divided house.

Many prefer John Edwards: not just the populist Edwards of fours years ago but also the angrier, more partisan Edwards of today. Some have warmed up to Sen. Hillary Clinton. They castigated her vote on the Iraq war, but they respect her experience and Democratic bona fides. And though others are skeptical of Sen. Barack Obama's strategy of drawing Republicans and independents, they're impressed by his ability to energize young voters.

But what unites the netroots is disdain for the Republican Party -- and the perceived fragmentation of the GOP's presidential field is a reason to celebrate, to say the least.

Markos Moulitsas, founder of Daily Kos, has outlined a somewhat radical proposal : Since Michigan's upcoming Democratic primary on Jan. 15 is essentially meaningless -- the Democratic National Committee stripped the Automotive State of its delegates -- why don't Democrats vote for . . . Mitt Romney?


http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/01/6842_election_mischi.html

Election Mischief: Democrats for Romney in Michigan
Kos is advocating a little election mischief in Michigan. The Democratic side of the January 15 Michigan primary is meaningless because the DNC stripped Michigan of all its delegates to the national convention when it moved its primary ahead of Feb. 5 without permission. Hillary Clinton and Dennis Kucinich are on the ballot there, but no one else is.

Happily, Democrats have lots of other options, because under Michigan state law, they can vote in the Republican race. So what is a good Michigan Democrat to do?

Kos says vote for Romney because a Romney victory would mean that Huckabee, McCain, and Romney will all have won one primary—no frontrunner means more turmoil, more negative ads, and more in-party fighting for the GOP. Keeping Romney, in particular, in the race makes sense because Romney goes negative the most often and has no qualms about tearing up his competitors.


http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/10/2713/87225/55/434206


Let's have some fun in Michigan
by kos
Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:31:01 PM PDT
In 1972, Republican voters in Michigan decided to make a little mischief, crossing over to vote in the open Democratic primary and voting for segregationist Democrat George Wallace, seriously embarrassing the state's Democrats. In fact, a third of the voters (PDF) in the Democratic primary were Republican crossover votes. In 1988, Republican voters again crossed over, helping Jesse Jackson win the Democratic primary, helping rack up big margins for Jackson in Republican precincts. (Michigan Republicans can clearly be counted on to practice the worst of racial politics.) In 1998, Republicans helped Jack Kevorkian's lawyer -- quack Geoffrey Feiger -- win his Democratic primary, thus guaranteeing their hold on the governor's mansion that year.

With a history of meddling in our primaries, why don't we try and return the favor. Next Tuesday, January 15th, Michigan will hold its primary. Michigan Democrats should vote for Mitt Romney, because if Mitt wins, Democrats win. How so?

For Michigan Democrats, the Democratic primary is meaningless since the DNC stripped the state of all its delegates (at least temporarily) for violating party rules. Hillary Clinton is alone on the ballot.

[flyarm]

17. Furthermore, it was Kos ?markos who told dems to cheat..

so how can we call others scummy and cheaters when our own have cheated and told dems to cheat?????????

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/18/74437/2265/993/479025

"Kos Michigan Democrats" to Lose Their Voting Rights?
by sipples
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 05:14:48 AM PDT

On January 10, 2008, Markos Moulitsas Zúniga encouraged his blog readers in Michigan to vote for Mitt Romney in the Republican primary on January 15, 2008. Kos's call to arms received considerable press attention (ABC, CNN, etc.), and many Michigan Democrats crossed over to keep Romney alive. Romney won the Michigan primary by about 80,000 votes. It's not clear exactly how many Kossacks crossed over, but those of you who did should feel free to post your testimonials in this thread.

Kos recommended this action because the January 15th Democratic primary would not count. Most of the candidates had removed their names from the Democratic primary ballot, and in August, 2007, the DNC's Rules & Bylaws Committee voted to strip Michigan of any delegates selected in this premature January 15th contest. As a result, Michigan (along with Florida) were the two rare states in which Republican primary voters outnumbered Democratic primary voters.

Fast forward to today, when the Michigan state party and the DNC are trying to come to an agreement on how to hold a proper, sanctioned primary. But there's a big problem for our "Kos Michigan Democrats." I'll let Marc Ambinder explain:

Turns out that DNC rules do prohibit cross-over participation. The state party has to comply with rule 2.E, which states: "No person shall participate or vote in the nominating process for a Democratic presidential candidate who also participates in the nominating process of any other party for the corresponding elections." So as far as the DNC is concerned, the objection of potentially disenfranchising Dems or indies who voted in the GOP primary is not valid. For the Obama campaign, this may well be a political hook on which to hang their argument about unfairness. But it's within the rules of the party.

And that's the problem: if you were a loyal Michigan Democrat who voted in the Republican primary, then the state party and the DNC may be headed toward preventing you from voting in the sanctioned Democratic primary. That's even if you declared your Democratic bona fides five minutes after you voted for Mitt Romney. Jerome Armstrong at MyDD is also suggesting this terrible turn of events could come to pass.

[unpossibles]

5. now we just hope that most of them stay Democrats come November. nt

[zalinda]

10. Probably not

Obama has ads running in PA now telling people to change their party and vote for him. The problem is, that it's really not legal. But, hell, he's pulled it before in other states, so what's new. Oh, look here, Clinton has done something dirty. That will make all his supporters look at Clinton, while he's screwing the "system". Damn, "system", I thought it was supposed to be dems deciding the dem candidate, not letting everyone and his brother in to make the decision. Yes, sir, let's count every vote. Too bad so many good dems never got to vote on who they wanted before the "others" voted in the last two candidates. Oh, yeah, so "proud" to be a dem. :sarcasm:

zalinda

[unpossibles]

14. I had thought it was only illegal for people to cross over for primaries if they did not intend to

vote for that person in the general.

I have no problem with that. I have a problem with Rush, et al telling people to vote for Hillary to skew the primaries. Here in Ohio, we ran out of Democratic ballots in many places because of this.

[zalinda]

15. So, how many do you think really intend to vote for Obama

in the fall. If you are an Obama supporter, you think all of them, of course. But, how many of them think, I just don't want Clinton to get it. Or how many think, let's screw with the dems. I certainly don't think that all these people voting in the primaries are converts. But then I don't have Obama glasses on.

zalinda

[unpossibles]

16. Obama glasses

please.

Look at the numbers, such as this exit poll from Minnesota, and you'll see that it's the Hillary voters who crossed over for the most part, despite the fact that most Republicans can't stand her.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21225989

No matter how you voted today, do you usually think of yourself as a:
Category-----% Total-----Clinton-----Obama
Democrat------71-------30---------67
Republican-----12-------75---------25
Independent
/other---------17-------43---------53

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3/12/81339/4516/40/474909



You're right: you don't have Obama glasses on. You have blinders on.

[dixiegrrrrl]

11. They have to stay Democrats

at least in Texas, I read, since the law won't allow them to change parties again until a year after they registered, which in this case is after the Nov. election.
LimBLAH's plan backfired for them in Texas, and a lot of Repubs were screaming they were disenfranchised by following it.

Maybe it is the same in Pa?

[durablend]

12. Not the same here (PA)....sorry

People can change affiliations before the primary, then change right back once the primary is over with. Not to mention party affiliation makes no difference come November anyway.

I'm pretty sure at least part of that number that's switched over to D did it to muck with the primaries (hate radio is high rated here)