Campaign manager defends himself against election fraud charges

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

Campaign manager defends himself against election fraud charges
By Jason Tomassini | Reuters – 16 mins ago..

BALTIMORE (Reuters) - A former Republican governor's aide accused of election fraud in Maryland defended himself in court on Friday against claims an automated phone message he authorized was intended to suppress black Democrat voters.

Paul Schurick, 55, campaign manager for former Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich, testified that the phone calls made to more than 100,000 Democratic, mostly-black voters on election night last year were intended to inspire them to vote.

The message assured listeners that Ehrlich's Democratic opponent -- incumbent Martin O'Malley who had defeated Ehrlich's reelection bid in 2006 -- and President Barack Obama, who was not up for election, were already "successful."

"Our goals have been met," said the message delivered in a woman's voice starting at about 6 p.m. on November 2.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/campaign-manager-defends-himself-against-election-fraud-charges-224856906.html

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