ThinkProgress.org got the recording of Princess SparklePony on The Moonie Times’ radio “show”:
What Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive said, BEFORE she said she was gonna break the law, is worth repeating. Here’s the transcript:
(0:25) I come from Minnesota. We’re still in a recount with our Senate race between Senator Norm Coleman and the challenger, Al Franken. Senator Coleman won the race on Election Day but that was challenged repeatedly over and over with what we feel may be fraudulent votes and very concerned about what goes forward.
“fradulent votes”, eh? That’s what you “think”, Michele?
Why, just the other day (June 1st, to be exact) Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Christopher Dietzen said he saw “no evidence or fraud or misconduct.” And Justice Dietzen said that in court.
That same day, in that same court, another Minnesota Supreme Court Justice asked Norm Coleman’s attorney, Joe Friedberg, very pointedly if their were any instances of fraud. Norm Coleman’s attorney – NORM COLEMAN’S ATTORNEY – answered emphatically “absolutely not” and added that there was no fraud of any kind; election, voter or otherwise.
But, hey – today’s GOP playbook is ignore the debunking and repeat, Repeat, and REPEAT the debunked stuff over and Over and OVER, as Bachmann just did: the “fraudulent vote (debunked) theory.”
In the rightwingworld, Norm “Smokescreen” Coleman “wuz robbed.” That’s their story, and they’re stickin’ to it.
(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)
It was just one year ago, June 2008, when GOPer Laura Brod was a nominee for that month’s “Hypocrite Of The Month”. It’s important to remember why Brod was singled out that month: she stood in front of a microphone, as a surrogate for ol’ Smokescreen, even though ol’ Smokescreen had done his best to cover for his pals Jack Abramoff, Tom DeLay, et al. And Laura earned that nomination; click here for a recap of her hypocrisy and the sordid treatment of women that Norm Coleman ignored as Chair of the Truman Committee.
Yet there Laura Brod was, a year ago, rippin’ Al Franken. Nothing demonstrates hypocrisy more than an indignant republiCon woman defending a guy like Norm Coleman’s inactions by criticizing someone else’s jokes.
And no one epitomizes a republiCon makin’ (stuff) up more than Laura Brod and her imaginary issue of “voter fraud.” Take, for instance, part of what Spot at The Cucking Stool wrote, in a piece entitled “A solution in search of a problem” back in February 2007:
In her little incitement to action, Rep. Brod mentions the increase in “identity theft and fraud.” What she doesn’t do, because she can’t, is tie the efforts of digital thieves to voter fraud. And frankly, you’d have to be a pretty stupid thief to try to steal a vote here and there. Now that he thinks about it, Spot has never gotten a Nigerian voter-fraud scheme email!
How many voter fraud cases in Minnesota have you read about in the paper recently, boys and girls? Spot certainly hasn’t seen any. If Rep. Brod’s proposals ever gets a committee hearing, Spot hopes that Rep. Brod and her sidekicks will get a good grilling on the evidence behind statements like those contained in her letter.
Rep. Brod says that she just wants to be sure that “only those who are legally eligible can participate.” Bull chips. What she really wants is to depress the turnout of the poor, the minorities, and the natives. (The Cucking Stool)
PhoenixWoman at Mercury Rising noted “right” around the same time:
Ever since they stopped being the Party of Lincoln and adopted the explicitly racist “Southern Strategy” in the 1960s, Republicans — nationally and locally, elected and in the media, traditional and online — have been attacking any and all efforts to enable more people, especially poor people and non-white people, to vote. Instead, they push various measures, under the pretext of “fighing voter fraud”, that put barriers between poor and non-white would-be voters and the voting booth because they know that these groups of people vote overwhelmingly for Democrats.
In the case of Minnesota, my home state, Republican legislators like Laura Brod (R-New Prague– she signed the letter the State Republican caucus is circulating to outstate Minnesota newspapers such as the St. Cloud Times) and their blogging buddies are savaging newly-minted Democratic State Attorney General Mark Ritchie for his eminently sensible proposal to automatically register anyone with a valid Minnesota driver’s license. Since getting a driver’s license — or even renewing one — is a complicated process with plenty of verification checks at each step, it makes sense that anyone who has achieved a license is almost certainly a legal resident.
Republicans like to pooh-pooh any suggestions that their legislation is intended to suppress voter turnout among minorities and the poor. But everyone knows better, and there’s yet another study showing that GOP-promoted measures concerning voter identification lead directly to depressed turnout among those populations. (Mercury Rising)
So, basically, with respect to Laura Brod, what we have is a hypocrite that doesn’t mind makin’ (stuff) up. In other words, the GreedOverPrinciples party, personified.
I watched the Oral Arguments in the recount case yesterday on the Uptake; I watched what was either the last or the latest whipping a Team Smokescreen attorney endured from Judge(s). And at the very end, I watched this:
“There is no evidence of fraud in this election. And maybe it’s the law out there; maybe it’s the character of the people in Minnesota. We don’t have any fraud.”
Joe Friedberg, arguing before the Minnesota Supreme Court, 01 June 2009
That quote began at the 1:06:10 mark. It bears repeating:
“There is no evidence of fraud in this election. “
And I, too, noted Christian Sande ask just a few minutes later: “Laura Brod, are you listening?”
Well, just in case Laura Brod wasn’t listening and/or keeps makin’ (stuff) up with regards to voter fraud, I thought it might be a good idea to have a way to remind her.
So, earlier today, I registered the domain name www.LauraBrodAreYouListening.com
Somehow, someway, I’m thinking that domain name will become a full-fledged website.
Stay tuned!
(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)
On August 4th, at a press conference, Team Smokescreen’s Spokestool, Mark Drake, promised the assembled media he’d check with “the campaign” about providing an actual utility bill for Norm’s sweetheart deal for an apartment in a pal’s Washington, D.C. “shack” (it’s a million dollar townhouse), and get back to said media. Needless to say, Spokestool Drake never got back to ‘em. Hence, the “T Plus” in the title, above.
I bring this up, because it seems Minnesota’s Most Ethically-Challenged Politician, ol’ Smokescreen himself, Norm Coleman, now has a little problemo with his St. Paul “shack”, which Norm apparently refinanced for around 3/4 of a million smackers ($775,000.00, apparently), in early 2007.
Investigative Reporter Tom Lyden, of the local Fox TV affiliate, has the story, and it’s a good one!
More on this developing story, later – stay tuned!!!
(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)
So said Coleman spokesman Tom Steward, in late June. And here’s the whole quote:
Now, keep in mind that all along, Team Smokescreen has been claiming, and again I’ll quote from a story just yesterday:
Yeah, “right.” If Team Smokescreen has been so “incredibly transparent”, just where is that “research” that “shows” the rent is “comparable”??!?
Ladies and Gentlemen, that story where Team Smokescreen claims “our research shows” was published on June 30th – it is now August 15th.
It’s put up or shut up time for Team Smokescreen’s claim that “our research shows” – they either got it and it shows it, or they’re lying.
(originally published at MnBlue.com)
Ladies and Gentlemen, the listing on the property is clear: Norm Coleman’s D.C. digs is a legally seperate rental unit, and licensed as such by the D.C. authorities. This has been verified. But the biggest verification just came from PepCo, the electric utility provider – and provider of electricity for the place Norm Coleman (allegedly) stays while in D.C. And that verification is a big one: there are two electrical meters. Yes, TWO. Therefore, somebody is paying for the electricity that goes to Norm’s digs, and only Norm’s digs.
What the utility will NOT verify, is who’s name those two meters are in.
So, who is pickin’ up the tab, for Norm’s electric?
I called Team Coleman, to ask just exactly that. But, Mark Drake wouldn’t take my call was unavailable, so the question was asked via Mark’s voicemail.
Why is this important? Sam Stein at HuffPost explains:
“This is a legitimate question to be asking in light of the fact that he is apparently renting from someone with an interest in his official actions as a senator,” said Mary Boyle of the good government group Common Cause. “It would be one thing if he was paying above market value and they could argue that it is included in his rent. But he is paying below market for this apartment. At a minimum [not paying utilities] would be a violation of the congressional gift ban. Certainly under no way is it okay for a member of Congress to be taking free or subsidized rent or benefits from anyone, particularly from someone you are working with.”(emphasis added)
Reaction from Coleman suggests that he too finds the utilities issue troubling. The Huffington Post placed more than two-dozen calls to his campaign spokesperson and Senate office over the course of several weeks. Despite leaving more than ten voice and email messages including the basic request to discuss the utilities bill, not one aide ever returned a request for comment. (Huffington Post)
Gee – now I don’t feel so bad; HuffPost is gettin’ ignored by the mighty Team Smokescreen, too.
But I digress. There really are two questions that are very important:
1 – In what name is the billing account for Norm’s rental unit in; and
2 – who is paying the tab.
So now it’s ‘fess up time, for Norm. And not only does he need to show a bill in his name, he needs to show a cancelled check, too.
(originally published at MnBlue.com)
OK, a big ol’ hat-tip to Blue Man, for this one!
And the point here, is that although GOPers will be whinin’ “them evil ol’ DEMONrats are ATTACKING us!”, it’s not an attack – it’s makin’ fun of ‘em because they really are way past pathetic and at the parody stage.
I mean, really – here’s a quote from republiCon Ron, last year, defending his mismanagement of GOPer Party funds:
“There seemed to be some gray areas as to what was the requirement,” Carey said. Asked to explain the gray areas, he said, “I really would prefer not to get into the weeds on something like that.
(Minneapolis Star Tribune)
ROFLMAO!!! republiCon Ron, not wantin’ to get “weedy”??!?
Yet republiCon Ron is gonna stand in front of a camera, and say Franken isn’t bein’ forthcoming??!?
Shameless!!!
Blue Man notes that republiCon Ron is gettin’ mighty predictable with his press releases – and he, of course, is correct!
Let’s look!!!
***
So easy, even a right wing blogger can use it! Here are the secrets that we’ll divulge for you, only if you purchase a Senator Coleman endorsed Blo and Go!
For the low everyday price of $29.99, you’ll get the blow dryer of the stars AND the knowledge to write your own Ron Carey Press Release.
Too good to be true you might say?
These press release templates enabled the Minnesota Republican Party to lose a winnable US Senate seat and one Congressional seat in 2006. The templates used to lose 20 GOP seats in the Minnesota House and allow the DFL to obtain a veto proof majority in the Minnesota Senate! Let’s not talk about the money/tax scandals though…
With results like this, the Blo and Go pays for itself!
Ron Carey Press Release Template
A. Call the DFL endorsed candidate a “far left liberal who is out of touch with _____ district”.
Regardless of fact, you must start off the press release with this phrase. See recent Elwyn Tinklenberg and Ashwin Madia press releases.
Prediction: Ron Carey will issue a press release on Saturday afternoon, “Steve Sarvi, a far left liberal, is out of touch with the voters of the 2nd Congressional District.
While factually incorrect, the Ron Carey Press Release Template cannot be tainted by fact. Just write it an move on to more important aspects of the release.
B. Reiterate that candidate x is far too liberal for _____ district. Congressperson Y will be reelected because they are a strong and effective leader.
Again, do not expand upon this statement. Do not talk about their voting record or legislative accomplishments. Just use vague language to describe the GOP incumbent/candidate.
Example: Tinklenberg is too liberal for the Sixth District. No matter how much mud Tinklenberg and his left-wing allies throw in this campaign, I am confident Representative Bachmann will be reelected because she has been a strong and effective leader.”
C. If you have a chance, slide a reference to Ronald Reagan in the press release.
D. Was our far too left out of touch liberal wearing a flag lapel pin? Point that out.
E. Write about the largest tax increases in the nations history, even if it’s factually incorrect. Pin them on out of touch liberals. Sponsor gas station ads that are also factually incorrect.
F. Send courtesy copies of the release out to Brodkorb, Emmer and the rest of the right wing Minnesota spin machine so the distorted message can be amplified.
Example:
St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey issued the following statement after 42nd Congressional District Democrats endorsed Billy Smith for Congress.
Billy Smith is a far left liberal who is out of touch with the voters of the 42nd District. Smith, a far too left liberal economist from Bovey Minnesota, is a tax and spend liberal. No matter how many times Smith attacks Congresswoman Jones, leadership remains confident that freedom will win, Congresswoman Jones will be reelected because she is a strong and effective leader.
Smith, who was 6 when the Reagan tax cuts took effect, opposed them. In a debate with Alex P Keaton, Smith actually made him cry. Footage indicates that Mr. Smith was not wearing a flag lapel pin, therefore, Smith hates freedom and America.
Congresswoman Jones has been awarded the “Friend of the Taxpayer award” for her persistence on Taypayer Bill of Rights legislation. Smith staunchly opposes this legislation and supports raising your gas tax 43% this year.
Iran, Iran, Iran
Immigration, Immigration, Immigration
Taxes, Taxes, Taxes
CC: Right wing blogosphere
It’s that easy!
(Posted by Blue man at Thursday, May 01, 2008)
(this post originally published at MnBlue.com)
Well, the republiCons are busy, tossin’ crap up against the wall, to see what sticks.
Hey – sounds like fun!
Wait’ll the state o’ California gets my letter!!!
California State Franchise Tax Board
P. O. Box 1565
Rancho Cordova CA 95741
Dear Ms. Stanislaus,
I invite your attention to Laurie Coleman’s website:
http://www.bloandgo.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1
Senator Coleman’s United States Senate Financial Disclosure Form doesn’t list Laurie Coleman’s involvement in selling these Blo jobs.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/congress/fin_dis/2006/c001057.pdf
Clearly, the number of these Blo jobs Laurie Colemen has sold, and how much money she has made from said Blo jobs, is unaccounted for.
This will require significant investigation to determine Laurie Coleman’s involvement in selling Blo jobs.
Your prompt attention is appreciated.
Sincerely,
TwoPutt Tommy
(this post originally published at MnBlue.com)
If you don’t agree with Norm Coleman on an issue today, don’t worry – sooner or later you will. Not because you’ve changed, but because ol’ Smokescreen has changed colors, once again.
And at his campaign announcement yesterday, ol’ Smokescreen threw the assembled crowd a curve ball – at times he sounded like a democrat! Norm’s got spending plans for actual people; Norm says public work is honorable and Minnesotans respect public service – what kind of republican is that??? Lucky for Norm he’s not getting challenged for endorsment; that’s talk the base simply don’t abide.
Claiming to be a voice of optimism in a cynical time, he claimed that labels don’t matter, results do. Even more outlandish was ol’ Smokescreen’s pronouncement that “We need uniters, not dividers.”
Amazing. Simply amazing, coming from the guy that was Bush’s attack chihuahua in 2004, a proud member of the GOP “Truth Squad.” Of course, that was then and this is now.
Now, he’s claiming he’s bi-partisan. His press kit contained a whole page of “bi-partisan examples.” Let’s look:
* I-35 bridge; after GOPers became the minority party.
* “Veterans Benefit Outreach Act” – Coleman co-authored it in May 2007
*Flood Relief, SE Minnesota – again, 2007
* Extending Oversight In Iraq, when Boy Blunder wanted to end it. Again, 2007
Now, let’s look at the Low Income Heating Assistance Program, where ol’ Smokescreen, just yesterday, tried to claim his work was “bi-partisan.” Here’s what his press release said, back in January, 2006:
Last month, Coleman, along with Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), and Susan Collins (R-ME) obtained a commitment from Senate leadership for a separate vote on an emergency supplemental bill to provide $2 billion in additional funding for LIHEAP, early this year.
Doesn’t sound real “bi-partisan” to me…of course, back in January 2006, republiCons were still planning on a “Permanent Republican Majority” – and when you’re permanently the majority, contemporary republiCon thought went, who needs bi-partisanship?
And let’s look at that claim Coleman made about Iraqi oversight. Back when ol’ Smokescreen was in the majority, and the Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, the LAST place Coleman looked was Iraq. Actually, that’s not accurate, while ol’ Smokescreen wouldn’t look at corruption in Iraq by, say, Halliburton, he did look at Iraq with regards to the Oil For Food scandal. You know, French companies? Russian companies? Oh, and specifically, Norm looked at a British Member of Parliament, George Galloway, who proceeded to humiliate Norm (hence, the “ol’ Smokescreen” nickname), and who was never convicted of anything. That was when ol’ Smokescreen was in the majority. Now, that Norms in the minority, he’s in favor of oversight of Iraq?
The point I’m trying to make here, is that ol’ Smokescreen sure has changed his colors – several times.
In 2002, The Accidental Senator said: “I’m up for re-election in six years, judge me on what I did.”
And anyone looking objectively at Coleman’s record will see a smilin’ guy with all the best intentions of Elizabeth Taylor at the wedding altar. And as many trips there, too.
I’m not a big fan of cut ‘n paste; personally, I think that doin’ that is prima facie that the ol’ liquor cabinet is gettin’ a little low.
But, that’s just me!
Because, on the other hand, there are other times that ya gotta go with what they say, and what they say is best said by what they said with no commentary required!!!
So, without any more ado, here’s what Team Smokescreen sent out to the True misBelievers, in an e-mail blast:
In recognition of Al Franken’s second appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman” since relocating to Minnesota to run for the Senate, we here at Team Coleman thought we’d borrow a favorite from Dave. Without further ado…
From our home office in St. Paul, Minnesota here are the “Top Ten Reasons To Donate To Senator Norm Coleman’s Campaign:”
10) Because Norm Coleman spent 30 years getting things done for Minnesota.
9) You want to help us add to our double-digit lead over comedian Al Franken (KSTP-TV Poll, March 16, 2008).
8) Unlike Al, you DO think people would notice a 5-10 cent increase in the gas tax.
7) We don’t have friends in the media like David Letterman to give us a free, 30 minute commercial
on national television.
6) You want Norm to keep fighting the Democrats’ efforts to pass the largest tax hike in American
history.
5) You actually know your own views on Iraq and can express them clearly and consistently, unlike
Al Franken.
4) We pay our workers’ compensation insurance.
3) What’s a ‘satirist’ doing on a ‘comedy’ show anyway?
2) We need your help to send Norm Coleman back to Washington so he can fight for quality,
affordable health care that the government doesn’t manage.
1) Norm Coleman brings people together to get things done!
Seriously though. We need your help, and unfortunately we don’t have friends in Big Entertainment to help us out. Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, please consider giving to our campaign, and help Team Coleman spread Senator Coleman’s positive vision for Minnesota throughout our great state!
Best,
Team Coleman
“Seriously though.”
Seriously, Norm “Smokescreen” Coleman, R=Lapdog, needs some new writers….and Norm “Smokescreen” Coleman, R=Lapdog, needs to be retired.
While he thinks makin’ fun of Al Franken’s appearance on Letterman is funny, what is not funny is ol’ Smokescreen’s complete abdication of congressional oversight while chair of the permanent subcommittee on investigations.
Seriously.
