Possible H’burg Registrar Scandal?
posted by Brent FinneganBy now you’ve heard about the rejected registrations and alleged voter disenfranchisement at the Harrisonburg Registrar’s office.
Today, new information and allegations have come to light concerning hijacked voter registration forms and the Harrisonburg registrar’s son.
On October 6, the last day to register to vote, volunteers from the Obama HQ delivered a stack of registration forms to the registrar’s office. Among those forms was the registration of an Obama staffer.
But six of the forms that were delivered in person arrived back at the office in the mail a week later, with a Richmond postmark. Joe Fitzgerald, Vice Chair of the 6th District Democratic Committee, wrote in an email yesterday:
The form went to the Registrar’s Office on Oct. 6. Somehow, it left that office, went to Richmond, got in a mailbox, and came back to Harrisonburg. In a handwritten envelope, with the Obama office written as the return address.
The forms were rejected. The Obama staffer, along with several witnesses, appealed the rejection of his form to a judge in Winchester. The judge said that the case needed more attention, so the case will be heard again, this time in Harrisonburg on Wednesday, October 29.
But it gets weirder. Yesterday (Friday) morning, Fitzgerald received several threatening, obscene messages on his voice mail. The caller claimed to be calling from the Obama Campaign. According to Fitzgerald, HPD traced the threatening calls to Ellis Logan, son of Harrisonburg Registrar Debbie Logan. According to Debbie, Ellis has lived in Richmond since June.
Fitzgerald wrote:
Maybe [Ellis] thinks I’ve been picking on his mother… Maybe that justifies him lying, and saying he was a concerned citizen calling from the Obama campaign when he called from Richmond, where somebody mailed the hijacked registration forms, claiming they were from the Obama campaign.
How and why did those six registration forms end up in the mail, postmarked from Richmond?
Debbie Logan said that Ellis never had access to any of the voter registration forms in Harrisonburg. She said that the only time he was in the office recently was to vote absentee. “He did go to the DMV [in Richmond] and tried to register, but he didn’t get it done in time, so he has one last time he can come back to his old locality and vote absentee, which he did. He came in here and voted,” Logan said.
Logan declined to comment about the postmarked voter registrations or the threatening phone calls, adding, “I have an election to run, and I’ll be more than happy to talk to you at length on anything you want to question me on after November 5th.”
posted: October 25th, 2008 by Brent Finnegan
filed under crime & punishment, politics.
Comments: 111
Comments
Comment from Renee
Time: October 25, 2008, 6:01 pm
It is also possible the registrations could’ve been mailed to Richmond, put in another envelope with the handwritten Obama return address, and mailed back, so this whole theory isn’t contingent of someone being in town to pick up the registrations.
I read Joe’s email on this topic and it is so suspicious. I really really hope I’m wrong, but there have been enough suspicious activities this year for me to believe someone in that office is not doing their job, or worse, doing something criminal.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 25, 2008, 7:04 pm
Wow this just keeps getting more insane. Something is NOT right here.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 25, 2008, 7:17 pm
Yeah, after that chick beat the crap out of herself…
and since Fitzgerald’s involved…..
Comment from Del
Time: October 26, 2008, 12:58 am
Heaven forbid anyone besides you and Dave should raise questions about someone in local government.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:39 am
I talked to several folks last evening about this situation. It looks like a young man may need some medical help.
I was just needlin’ Joe a little….
Comment from David Miller
Time: October 26, 2008, 2:33 pm
Of all people to not have a problem with this. You had better change your tune Myron. This is voter fraud. This is a felony in federal prison type of fraud. The registrars office is indicated on major corruption in my analysis. Now we’ll have to see what the actual verdict on the 29th is (see I can wait for the rule of law, maybe there is no fraud-we’ll see) In the meantime, grow some testicles, we know that you’re great at raising cane now get on it. This is supposed to be a republic but if your vote gets erased, disenfranchised, simply put not allowed then we’re screwed. Remember that one day you may not hold the majority in the valley so do unto others for Christ’s sake.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 3:57 pm
Run with it, guys…if this is as you say it is, the Registrar should RESIGN, NOWm and the FBI should be investigating this.
Myron and I tried to warn the community about the local Republican infrastructure when we discovered that Suzanne Obenshain was simultaneously on the City’s Electoral Board AND 26th District Chairman of the Republican Party…that’s a Class One misdemeanor that caused former Judge McGrath to quickly reappoint Suzanne to the City Electoral Board just after the Albemarle Assistant Commonwealth Attorney opined there was “no crime” because Suzanne gave up her seat on the Electoral Board the second she became 26th District Chairman.
But then, the C.A. never did explain to us exactly how the statute she was accused of violating is actually violated.
Comment from David Miller
Time: October 26, 2008, 4:00 pm
Briggman, you have a knack for this type of digging. Regardless of my disdain for dialogue with you, I appreciate your watchdog stewardship in the community when you approach the role respectfully and cautiously. As JG recently put it, sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 6:44 pm
Thanks, Miller, I think. :-)
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 6:50 pm
David Miller and I aren’t being rude by using our last names…if allows us (and the readers) to more easily follow our dialog.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:05 pm
I learned my lesson last time….I’m staying out of it.
I was told to stay out of Harrisonburg’s business and I’m going to follow that advice this time.
I pity those with “issues” and doing irrational things only proves that they need help. Unfortunately, sometimes people with issues are in positions of authority. As soon as they are removed….it’s over.
This seems like something Joe needs to handle since he’s directly involved. I’m just a farmhand….
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:20 pm
Weak, republitarian, weak. What a convenient time to take someone’s advice. I’m suspect few people are buying it.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:21 pm
See, I can’t win either way….
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:24 pm
You made your bed bro….
Pingback from -of my absentee ballot. « the state
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:34 pm
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Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:38 pm
This is kind of ironic. Everyone attacked Myron when he went after Becky, including me. He was pretty much attacked on a daily basis for it. (and should have been) Now something else has happened in the city and he wants to stay out of it…which he should. But this particular incident involves your votes and you are outraged by it. And you should be. Why is it OK for you all to be attacking him, now that he won’t investigate it? I’m a little confused here.
Comment from jhumphrey from the state
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:41 pm
i had an interesting call from the registrar’s office this sunday afternoon.
in short, a very nice person called to tell me that my absentee in-person ballot that i filled out last thursday was incomplete - and might not be counted.
luckily (?!), i was able to quickly explain (and therefore, complete the all-important “section a”) about working a 12-hour shift in C’ville on election day. this was, apparently, an acceptable excuse and i was reassured that all would be well.
read more at the state.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 7:56 pm
Christa,
Where’s the irony? For as long as I have monitored HB blogs he and Briggman have strutted arounf like peacocks as they’ve fancied themselves some sort righteous civil servants protecting democracy and searching for truth. They hang out in courtrooms, file silly complaints and subtly threaten people on these blog sites. And now you defend his convenient, well timed, decision to not investigate (therefore protect) a republican during an election year? Hmmmm….My guess is that if the Registrar was a dem, or the wife of a competitor, then he’d be all over it.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:04 pm
I am NOT defending his well timed decision not to investigate. I simply asked why now do any of you want him to help you? I don’t seem to remember you at all VP when all this was happening several months ago, unless you used a different name.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:06 pm
Most on here know I don’t defend Myron, unless he’s right.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:16 pm
Valley Progressive, you show yourself to be quite ignorant. You make certain statements, which are completely or partially incorrect…then, when corrected (e.g., your statement about the do-nothing congress for the last two years), you make it sound that the one correcting you raised the issue.
You’ve made erroneous errors about “my candidates” and you’ve made another one assuming I’m in favor of mob rule in the form of a democracy. I’m not — neither were the Founding Fathers of this country.
You’re also making an assumption that I’m not sure you can back up your statement that the City Registrar is, in fact, a Republican. I know Debbie Logan, and I don’t know her political persuasion. The registrar is a non-partisan position.
I can obviously see why you’re hiding behind a pseudonym …you obviously aren’t too bright…and even less-informed than your lack of intelligence would indicate. Most on this blog and republitarian, have the moral courage to use their real names when posting — I notice you lack such courage.
And for the record, generally when I raise an issue, laws get changed…I think I can show you at least five statutes which have been changed on account of my “protecting” [God forbid] democracy.
What have you done for the community lately?
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:19 pm
Dave and I wouldn’t know how to “investigate” this issue properly….call Aldrich.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:20 pm
And, VP, if you want something done about the Registrar, get off your fat ass and do it yourself.
The Registrar is not an elected position…I haven’t really researched as to how she could be removed… perhaps somewhere in your immense [lie] hippocampus, you might be able to get right on it.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:20 pm
I hope he does stay out of it. I just don’t actually believe he will.
The issue here impacts every single voter, not just the democrats. It’s a very big deal and I hope it is taken very seriously….which is why I hope he stays out of it.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:21 pm
First and foremost this has NOTHING to do with “helping” us. It is about a supposed interest on his part to ferret out corruption and illegality in Rockingham County ( an interest that I’m happy to go on record as saying, is admirable). I just think that in the interest of justice and the welfare of our city, it should transcend party lines.
As for your memory of me, I will be honest, I have posted a few times using a pseudonym but mostly over the past couple of months I have just been reading, and observing, the local blogs (thanks to Mason’s aggregator). Then, a few weeks ago, I decided to to start my own blog which, admittedly now pretty much all about the election, but after Nov 4th I plan to be less partisan and direct it more toward all issues that effect the Valley.
Your last comment about defending Myron comes down to one’s definition of “right.” I suspect my definition, and your definition, are quite different.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:22 pm
Furthermore, our “investigations” usually don’t get any results….
Comment from finnegan
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:24 pm
Briggman wrote: “You’re also making an assumption that I’m not sure you can back up your statement that the City Registrar is, in fact, a Republican. I know Debbie Logan, and I don’t know her political persuasion. The registrar is a non-partisan position.”
Read this:
“She has experience and knows what the electoral process is all about,” Obenshain said.
In addition, Obenshain said, “she is very well connected and understands the dynamics of our community.”
In recent years, Obenshain has worked with Logan on elections. “She has been very efficient,” said Obenshain, who added that Logan is highly qualified to provide the community with fair and quality elections.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:25 pm
After visiting your blog, VP, I can tell you that our definitions on most things are different.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:26 pm
Truth be told, uncovering impropriety in the Registrar’s actions would most likely give him some of the attention that he so craves. Locally, regionally and possibly nationally as so much attention is being spent on voter fraud and party corruption. Apparently he’s playing the party robot, choosing party affiliation over democracy and moral righteousness.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:28 pm
After reading Emmy’s comments I have changed my mind.
I’ll be back with an update after calling some sources and doing some background.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:29 pm
Christa,
Just so long as we are able to “agree to disagree” in a civil manner, I promise to consider your comments respectfully.
Comment from Breslau
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:30 pm
I wouldn’t expect too many people to use their full real names on a community blog when they are being attacked personally as well as conducting personal attacks.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:31 pm
Emmy, Emmy :-). I am now a fan of Republitarian.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:34 pm
Emmy and Lowell will tell you that I am very open minded on most things, VP. Even though I am a Republican.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:36 pm
Breslau, no they don’t. I wish I would have been anonymous when I first started blogging over a year ago. Actually there are times I wish I had never started.
Comment from finnegan
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:36 pm
I can’t believe I’m sticking up for Myron after all the things he’s said about me, but I don’t think it’s fair to accuse him of “playing the party robot, choosing party affiliation over democracy and moral righteousness.”
If you know anything about who he has backed or opposed, I don’t think you’d make that statement.
And a friendly reminder to everyone here: keep it civil. Address others the way you’d like to be addressed. Steer clear of name calling.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:40 pm
Nice pickup of the DNR article, Brent…you know, it would be very interesting to go back and look to see if any Electoral Board decisions were made while Suzanne Obenshain was both Secretary of the Board and 26th District Chairman of the Republican Party…
Using the reasoning of the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney of Albemarle County, all votes Suzanne would have cast would have been void…and I won’t even speak as to Judge McGrath’s reappointment of Suzanne to the Electoral Board after Mark voted to keep McGrath on the Circuit Court — despite the clear and convincing evidence of the violations of both Virginia and federal law by McGrath while he was sitting on the Circuit Court bench.
Perhaps Myron might remember the exact time period I’m writing of here?
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:45 pm
Dave Briggman,
YOU stand corrected. It was I who corrected you regarding the posts on the do-nothing Congress, Go re-read the post (or have someone read it to you) and you’ll see. I suspect that your comment here is more to persuade people who did not read our exchange.
As for my error regarding your candidate, I did acknowledge my mistake, and quite honestly I don’t think the significance of the error will turn into a major scandal anytime soon, and it certainly does not reflect on my intelligence. I don’t spend my days trying to memorize the preferences and lifestyle of the great Dave Briggman.
Additionally, I think it is well known that Ms. Logan has quite the republican bent.
Lastly, you say ” if you want something done about the Registrar, get off your fat ass and do it yourself.” I don’t have the sources or time that Myron does, and I don’t know the process as well as you do. Give me some ideas of what to do and where to go and I will do what I can.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:53 pm
Finnegan,
Can you specify to whom you are directing your civil comment?
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:55 pm
Dave,
“Using the reasoning of the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney of Albemarle County, all votes Suzanne would have cast would have been void…and I won’t even speak as to Judge McGrath’s reappointment of Suzanne to the Electoral Board after Mark voted to keep McGrath on the Circuit Court — despite the clear and convincing evidence of the violations of both Virginia and federal law by McGrath while he was sitting on the Circuit Court bench.”
This is bogus, how could that happen?
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:57 pm
Well, the first place I would go is to examine Suzanne Obenshain’s (re)appointment to the Board of Elections after the Albemarle Assistant Commonwealth Attorney came to the conclusion that Suzanne did nothing wrong (did you know that Mark Obenshain represents Albemarle County in lawsuits?)…
Under §24.2-106 of the Code of Virginia it says:
There shall be in each county and city an electoral board composed of three members who shall be appointed by a majority of the circuit judges of the judicial circuit for the county or city. If a majority of the judges cannot agree, the senior judge shall make the appointment. Any vacancy occurring on a board shall be filled by the same authority for the unexpired term. The clerk of the circuit court shall send to the State Board a copy of each order making an appointment to an electoral board.
If you take a peak, only Judge McGrath signed an Order restoring Suzanne to the Electoral Board — and did so with such lightning speed after the Albemarle C.A. fired their fax to Marsha Garst that you’d thought a stay of execution was taking place. I recall no other judge’s name mentioned on the Order to reinstate Suzanne. [Again, Myron may have a copy of the Order]
I’m assuming Suzanne voted to put Debbie Logan in as Registrar…of course, if Suzanne’s reinstatement violated Virginia law…her vote would not have counted.
The election system in Virginia is pre-rigged, ensuring only Democrats and Republicans have any place in its operation.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 8:59 pm
VP, it was bogus…but so few pay attention to what’s going on with government around here…and even fewer have the ability to control what does, or doesn’t come out in the local media (EXCEPTION: WSVA).
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:05 pm
Dave, you think we ought to help these democrats that who usually mock us, demean us and make fun of us?
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:06 pm
Good info, I did not know that Obenshein represented Albemarle County. I apolgize up frong for my niaveness here, but how could something so blatant occur without anyone raising an eyebrow? As for your last comment I couldn’t agree with you more. I think the WHOLE system, local, regional, state and national is rigged to protect a two party system. They are afraid of competition and each know their enemy and know that eventually they will obtain power again. Unlike a multiple party system where you actually have to build coalitions and come up with plans that appeal to the majority of the people.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:08 pm
I don’t know, Myron…
I’d be willing to research the issue at an hourly rate…the last three documents I’ve written and submitted to the courts for adjudication have been upheld by those courts…
Maybe we should had this off to Aldrich for him to take action. ;-)
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:12 pm
Republitarian,
You’re not helping a “democrat” your helping a fellow citizen of the Valley. I have no interest in going after someone because of their party affiliation. I do believe however that anyone who abuses the lawhould be held accountable. Anyone. I think you would be shocked if you knew what values and issues that we probably agree on. I consider myself an american first, fiscal conservative second, and a social progressive third.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:14 pm
Oh, Myron and I had a bird’s eye view of the Electoral Board issue…TV-3 did one story (right Myron) before Mark Obenshain threatened to bury Tim Saunders (the reporter who did the story) in a defamation action.
Folks, when you vote for Republican candidates for local offices, your not voting for a true Republican…these are Republican lites — very lite.
You are voting for fascists…those who’d protect government a helluva lot more than they’d protect the individual. They are true statists in every meaning of the word.
I mean, how the hell else could you elect a Matt Lohr, who missed 40% of the School Board meetings he was supposed to be representing District One in? A teacher, just barely long enough so that he could say he was “a teacher”. A legislator so smug, he wanted to create a government employee to market pumpkin farms for gosh sakes.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:18 pm
“Dave, you think we ought to help these democrats that who usually mock us, demean us and make fun of us?”
Myron, you mock demean and make fun of democrats all the time, so please don’t act like you’re hurt now.
Dave, I’m going to agree with you about Republicans in this area. I know you don’t like Democrats but part of the reason Democrats are doing so well here now is because the Republican party has become very lazy. They are trying to skate by on the fact that so many people vote straight party lines and people are starting to wake up and realize that the party really quit trying some time back.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:20 pm
Dave, I’m curious to know what Republicans in this area that you mentioned, besides Matt.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:22 pm
Actually, I’m supporting Gene Hart to take out Matt Lohr and I’m supporting Governor Warner….their political ideology differs greatly from Obama’s.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:23 pm
Republicans we have in state government from across the state would be on my list…and the fish rots from the head down (Bill Bowling, Bob McDonnell).
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:24 pm
You said local….
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:26 pm
Dave,
I blog a fair amount on national sites like USAToday and a theme that I always come back to is the neo-fascist movement going on in the republican party. There’s no denying it. Some people call it a “corporatocracy.” Different name-same idea.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:28 pm
Pick any local Republican we have in the General Assembly.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:33 pm
I cannot disagree with you, VP, which is why I wanted to form a Saturday morning where we could in a non-partisan fashion, if that’s possible, do “opposition research” on the entrenched Republicans we have so we could best explore how to rid ourselves of the elected officials we have in place.
Nobody seemed interested. Hell, I’d take a Republican out probably sooner than a Dem because I recognize them to be more fascist than Republican. The rank-and-file Republicans seem to be too stupid to see that, though.
Actually, the last sentence may be too harsh. It is extremely difficult to shine a bright enough light on Republican office holders to the electorate to do any good.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:43 pm
Maybe its because I’m fairly new to HB blogging, but when did you propose this oppsition research? That is something I could warm up to, what was the format? I have become like so many others, I pick the “lesser of the two evils.” I’m convinced that you cannot have a “perfect” candidate in a two party system. How would we like it if we went to a restaurant and could only pick from 2 entrees? Or only had two models of cars to choose from? or 2 colors to paint your house? Ok, I guess you get my point…..
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 9:54 pm
I think it was just after Gene Hart announced his intent to take out Matt Lohr…destabilizing the local Republicans is the only way we’ll get better government — from any political party.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:08 pm
I don’t know Gene Hart, but I’ve heard that he is a good man.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:09 pm
He is a good man, vp, but Matt Lohr is a good man also.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:17 pm
Yes, Christa, Matt is a good guy, however, he’s a marginal legislator who is repeatedly distracted from his responsibilities to his constituents by his wife’s repeated encounters with cancer.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:19 pm
Not to doubt you Christa because I’ve never met Matt either, but I have heard lots of fairly negative comments about his shirking his responsibilities, From introducing questionable legislation to ignoring his constituents. I was on a site the other night, I’ve forgotten which one, where a poster rationalized Matt’s lack of participation and lack of attendance to functions that he has been invited to, as possibly [sic] “due to his farm responsibilities.” I’m sorry, but these priorities are wrong. as a representative of the people, he needs to be accessable. He needs to choose between politician or farmer because he obviously can’t handle both.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:19 pm
Well, God forbid you have any compassion about that Dave.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:21 pm
He has too much on his plate right now VP.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:27 pm
As an aside Christa, I’ve heard that his farm has a real nice pumkin/halloween/fall program for kids. Do you know if his farm is open on Mondays? I’ve got two little ones that I’d like to take there.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:28 pm
Actually, Christa, I’m participating in the prayer chain for his wife.
That has no relevance on his effectiveness as a legislator and the distraction his wife’s illness must, necessarily, be to him.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:31 pm
I took my grandson to “Home on the Farm” today. It was wonderful and we had so much fun, but it is only open on weekends. We got lost in the corn maze and I ended up carrying him for 20 minutes until we found our way out! LOTS of really great stuff for the kids. I think next weekend might be the last they are open this year. It’s right out of Harrisonburg off of Rt 42. Are you from this area?
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:32 pm
Christa, the fact is if Matt had his next meal on his plate, it would be too much for him to pay attention to his duties as a Delegate. You can be as nice as you want, but if you’re not equipped to do a job, you’re not equipped.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:33 pm
I didn’t really answer your question about Matt’s place. Sorry. I don’t know anything about it. Myron knows, I believe.
Then Dave, pray for Matt also to give him the strengh he needs to get through this. He should probably step down, but have some compassion for him also.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:35 pm
Dave,
you’re right. I too am able to separate Matt Lohr the family man from Matt Lohr the legislator. Unfortunately in his situation, his obligation is great for his constituants. They are mutually exclusive and he needs to make a choice. For me, the choice is obvious, its family, But only Matt Lohr can make that decision.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:39 pm
It’s right out of Harrisonburg off of Rt 42. Are you from this area?
No, but I can get there. Is it before you get to main street Broadway? Thanks for the info about being open only on weekends, I just assumed that it was open evey day up to halloween,
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:43 pm
Home on the Farm is near Harrisonburg. If you are coming FROM Harrisonburg, the turn off is less than a mile from the Food Lion in Park View. If you are planning to go next weekend, let me know and I will scan a map for you. It’s not hard to find and it is well worth the trip. I had as much fun as my grandson did!
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:48 pm
Excellent, thanks so much!
Comment from Christa
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:50 pm
And I have been to your blog a few times this evening VP. I have clicked several times to comment, but the last time I voiced an opinion on RockDem, I was called names, so I never went back.
Comment from The Valley Progressive
Time: October 26, 2008, 10:58 pm
Christa,
I hope that you haven’t been called names on my blog! As you probably can see from my posts there, I have an issue about responsibility, accountability and a true concern for this country as most of us do. The difference is in how we peceive these faults. I refuse to let others make that decision for me, please feel free to comment if you desire. I hope we all can “agree to disagree”, or in the case with you and Dave Brigggman tonight, agree to agree.
Comment from republitarian
Time: October 26, 2008, 11:33 pm
Part of the reason democrats are doing well here is that misguided people, who have misguided principles, are selling out country out….
Comment from Renee
Time: October 27, 2008, 2:24 am
“Part of the reason democrats are doing well here is that misguided people, who have misguided principles, are selling our country out…”
That’s a matter of opinion! I think democrats are doing well here because their ideals and stances on the issues and approach to solving our country’s current domestic and international problems resonate with the local people (among other positives). I think republicans aren’t doing as well here as they usually do because of 1) a departure from some traditional republican stances, and 2) their failure to present clear solutions to current problems and their focus on discrediting the democrats. (among other negatives) … at least, that’s my opinion. The question of which of us is misguided should be answered over the next 4 years - whoever takes office sure will have a lot of challenges to overcome.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 27, 2008, 2:35 am
And I’m curious which of my principles you find “misguided”…. though I’m not sure I want an answer to that question now that I wrote it. Being someone that would make a divisive blanket statement about all democrats, I probably don’t want to know more details of why you said it, since clarification of a generalization like that is unlikely to solve anything. Nevermind.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 27, 2008, 6:26 am
You’re right Renee, you don’t want to know but its a safe bet that everything you believe in he would consider misguided.
Comment from David Miller
Time: October 27, 2008, 9:59 am
I’ve had a weird morning and need to say the following. I’m voting for Barack Obama because I believe that he is both a good American and will be good for America. I don’t believe that he is a socialist, a muslim nor a terrorist. I’m both heartened and disheartened by my community as of late. I’ve received flak for my vote of choice. I’d like to repeat the following. If you disagree with my politics, tell me why with disciplined reason. Leave emotion at the door and I’ll respect your argument. It is not acceptable to voice hatred to me or my community for a legitimate candidate on the ballot for president. It will not be accepted any more than you would accept it from me. Thank you.
Comment from Brian M
Time: October 27, 2008, 11:22 am
Dave, sounds to be like you listened to Candid Comment this morning. I almost called and violated my no radio call-in rule, but I was able to escape the urge at the last minute. What stupid comments! Man I hate ignorant people. I can take saying you don’t want to vote for Obama because his policies are somewhat socialistic (which I agree they are), but to say he is a Muslim undercover operative since birth is more than a little extreme. Ugh.
Comment from Christa
Time: October 27, 2008, 11:23 am
Hey David, would that be the reason you dodged me the other evening after you said you wanted to hear MY politics? LOL ;)
And I’m voting for McCain because I feel he is the better choice for America, but what’s really crazy is that I offered to drop Emmy off at JMU so she wouldn’t have to walk. We just had a big laugh over that. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, this is very exciting for Harrisonburg. I told Emmy I thought the reason they weren’t having football practice was not because they are going to move the rally, but that Obama would probably come in a helicopter and land on the football field. My guess.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 27, 2008, 11:42 am
Brian, I thought Obama was an undercover Muslim operative. Isn’t that why his middle name is Hussein? :-)
Christa, I heard they were removing the roof from the Convocation Center so Obama could arrive from the heavens without interference from said roof. ;-)
Comment from Bubby
Time: October 27, 2008, 12:20 pm
I for one am astonished by the delusion of our rightwing thinkers who have determined that Barack Obama can be an Islamic theocrat, atheistic communist and national socialist while posing as a center left candidate. Were these the skills they taught him at that madrasah in Indonesia…or just the impaired conclusions of a thoroughly bamboozled Republican cult?
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 27, 2008, 12:37 pm
“Center left candidate”? What the hell have you been puffin’ on this AM?
Comment from zen
Time: October 27, 2008, 1:46 pm
Many people are living the reality that you refuse to, Briggman. Obama is not the radical that you believe, and want others to believe that him to be.
Obama is anti-gay marriage, is pro-death penalty, pro-guns, and in some respects a bit hawkish on national security.
Your lame attempts to cast his as a scary figure are a failure.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 27, 2008, 2:23 pm
Dave, I moved your comment into moderation. It’s borderline on our “no name-calling” policy and I want someone else to make the call.
Comment from zen
Time: October 27, 2008, 2:37 pm
I read his remarks.
Seriously, Briggman, must you constantly resort to such tantrums?
It’s really no wonder you trip over yourself from being so eager to demonize people who you disagree with. For example, in the same comment you complimented Obama as a “dynamic speaker” you then proceeded to attack him for the number of times he says “ah.”
As to my CC call…what is ‘ignorant’ about acknowledging that when people move or die they typically do not remove themselves from the registration roles?
Comment from margo
Time: October 27, 2008, 2:55 pm
Thanks for the lively conversation. I am thrilled Obama is coming to Harrisonburg. I am an independent and have voted both sides of our limited aisle. I am voting for Obama because I believe he has demonstrated the steady and intelligent hand we need at the helm right now. I am also voting for him because I have young children and the vision he has presented gives me hope for their future. I am tired of leadership that is a fear-based corporatocracy. Obama’s leadership is appears to be based on hope and genuine vision. The slurs made of his character are utterly ridiculous.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 27, 2008, 3:18 pm
zen,
There are mechanisms under most states’ laws (I know laws don’t mean a whole lot to Dems), that mandates removal of felons, removal of those of have moved from their jurisdiction, etc., ad nauseam, such that the scenarios you outlined on the radio this morning generally DO NOT happen.
Election law in Virginia in outlined in Title 24 of the Virginia State Code.
Comment from zen
Time: October 27, 2008, 3:42 pm
Briggman,
Having these mechanisms mandated doesn’t equate to having them enforced (I know that reality doesn’t mean a whole lot to you).
Regardless, my intent is not to deny that willful manipulation of our elections is possible, plausible, or even occurring. Rather, my point is that there are enough reasonable doubts available than to use one to tarnish a certain candidate—an incredibly popular one at that.
This is an interesting article that touches on something similar in Wisconsin.
The DOJ cites the following in regard to The National Voter Registration Act Of 1993:
The Act allows for removal of voters from registration lists when they have been convicted of a disqualifying crime or adjudged mentally incapacitated, where such removals are allowed by state law. The NVRA also provides additional safeguards under which registered voters would be able to vote notwithstanding a change in address in certain circumstances. For example, voters who move within a district or a precinct will retain the right to vote even if they have not re-registered at their new address.
…
In addition, the Act granted additional time to Arkansas, Vermont, and Virginia to comply because they needed to change their constitutions in order to comply with the Act and maintain a unitary registration system for federal and state elections.
…
After the NVRA became effective, several states failed to take the steps necessary to comply with the law; several of them also challenged the constitutionality of the Act. Beginning within a month of the Act’s effective date, the Department responded by filling a series of lawsuits requiring these states to comply with the Act’s procedures as well as defending its constitutionality.Those states involved in the first round of cases included California, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.
Comment from zen
Time: October 27, 2008, 4:41 pm
Apparently the law doesn’t mean a whole lot to the Republican senator from Alaska.
Comment from Peppa
Time: October 27, 2008, 5:01 pm
Is there anything in the local news on this?
Comment from Renee
Time: October 27, 2008, 5:19 pm
@margo, I totally agree with you. I’ve considered myself an independent voter in the past, but I’m all for Obama and most dems in this election :)
Comment from Renee
Time: October 27, 2008, 5:32 pm
@Briggman - “I know laws don’t mean a whole lot to Dems”?
You really should stop making untrue inflammatory statements like that.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 27, 2008, 9:05 pm
Alright, Renee.
Prove to me the statement I made is untrue, and I’ll comply with your request.
Comment from Renee
Time: October 27, 2008, 10:01 pm
Well, seeing as there are millions of democrats in our nation, I think I could find many of them that honor and abide by the law. In fact, I bet it’s just as many as republicans. I’m not sure what political party has to do with respect for the law.
You’re just being ridiculous, and arguing with you seems to be a hopeless cause, so I’m no going to even waste time doing that.
Everyone - I’ve got to get some work done so I can spend all day over at JMU tomorrow. Have a good night! I can’t wait ’til tomorrow! It will be fun :)
Comment from David Miller
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:04 am
Prove that water isn’t created by frogs humping and I’ll stop saying that it is. You just love it when someone takes your bait Briggman.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 28, 2008, 12:52 pm
I came across this on another site and thought it might be some information we could all use.
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 28, 2008, 9:56 pm
Few, if any of the voters that had appeals Harrisonburg’s denials got the ability to vote this morning…I note for the record that the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney kept trying to tie the voter registration driver to “Obama” and several affiliated groups.
Although the Commonwealth attempted to keep the son of Debbie Logan out of this, Judge Lane allowed evidence relating to the phone calls made to JGF.
As I needed to view a hearing in Winchester this afternoon, I left just after JGF testified…perhaps he can fill us all in on what happened.
One of the main questions I had about today’s hearing was: Why did the “Obama Organizer” wait until the last possible day to register for the upcoming election after moving here from California?
Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: October 28, 2008, 10:01 pm
Ooops…another question I have is:
If the State Police are investigating the matter as to who/how the ballots were mailed from Richmond to Harrisonburg, then why didn’t they have the envelope in custody, sealed in a bag so that every single witness would not have handled the thing at the hearing today?
Makes you wonder about the thoroughness of such an investigation if the object of the investigation isn’t in a chain of custody and protected bythe State Police.
Comment from Peppa
Time: October 29, 2008, 7:41 am
Boy, the story in the DNR was a whole lot less sensational than the coverage here. My interactions with the registrar lead me to believe that she is honest and compentent. I still believe that.
Pingback from hburgnews.com » Camron denied the vote
Time: October 29, 2008, 7:59 am
[...] the most recent registrar story? Camron’s registration was among the registrations rejected by the Harrisonburg [...]
Comment from Jeremy Aldrich
Time: October 29, 2008, 8:01 am
So how do you suppose that a stack of forms hand-delivered from Harrisonburg, to another place in Harrisonburg, ends up being received by the registrar’s office “for the first time” in an envelope with a Richmond postmark?
When was Mr. Logan in the Harrisonburg registrar’s office to do his voting?
Comment from finnegan
Time: October 29, 2008, 8:03 am
See my most recent post about this.
Comment from Emmy
Time: October 29, 2008, 8:03 am
Peppa, did you expect hard hitting journalism from the DNR? I’m glad your experiences have been good. I bet everyone involved in this wishes that they’d shared your experience.
I do wonder why it matters when the people involved turned their registration’s in. Is it procrastination? Probably, but anyone who works with the public should know that people always wait until the last minute. It really doesn’t change the need to serve them properly assuming they’ve still followed the rules.
Comment from seth
Time: October 29, 2008, 10:22 am
it doesn’t matter when people register if theyr’e w/in the deadline (dave, i’m surprised you even bring it up. the obvious answer to your question is that the guy wanted to make sure all eligible applications were accepted up to the deadline. obviously they weren’t).
i’m puzzled by yas to why you put the onus for this on the person who was registering. he did his part according to the rules. someone with the power to work outside of those rules apparently kept him from getting registered. that’s who we should be asking questions of.
as to the police and an investigation in which they’d fail to follow protocol as to the handling of evidence and divulging of info related to an ongoing investigation (ie apparently telling someone those calls came from logan’s son) i’d like to think that they’re just incompetent. i don’t think any of us would be surprised if we learned that the politics of many police officers line up with those of our registrar (who i’m going to go ahead and assume is republican, presumptuous though it may be)
Comment from finnegan
Time: October 29, 2008, 10:27 am
Ever heard of the captain going down with the ship? Same concept here. The last minute submission is a way to ensure everybody that he helped register got theirs in on time. The last one off the boat.
Except, in this case, someone else put him back on the sinking ship.
Comment from JGFitzgerald
Time: October 29, 2008, 11:29 am
Seth,
Just a factual note. The officer told only me where the calls came from. I’m the only one I know of who’s publicly disclosed the boy’s name. I’ll criticize any public employee who does a job wrong, but the state and local police in this case have handled the investigation of the phone calls with professionalism, courtesy, and concern for whether I felt comfortable with my family’s safety.
Pingback from - of cameron! « the state
Time: October 29, 2008, 9:18 pm
[...] surrounding his and other’s “late” ballots deserved further investigation (as brent finnegan and others at hburg news have also been calling for since they broke the story), “almost a conspiracy [...]
Pingback from hburgnews.com » City Registrar in the Spotlight (Again)
Time: December 12, 2008, 1:25 pm
[...] disenfranchised voters’ appeals being denied (including Camron from the Obama HQ); and the strange affair of the registrar’s son’s alleged involvement all the way from [...]
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