Appologies Kucitizens

[Kevin Spidel]

All those loyal DK supporters have been hammering my inbox becasue of a few comments I made during the Ohio recount stuff when the question came up "Where is Dennis."

As many of you know I worked close with Dennis during his campaing (National Field Director) and PDA was very much invovled in the irregularities movement in Ohio. Being that I was close to this man, and helping to organize the massive effort for publicity on the facts of fraud during the Ohio general election, I became frustrated when time and time he did not speak up. I used poor judgement and decided to voice some of these frustrations online in this community a few weeks back.

The few comments made during real frustrating times reverberated in the networks of loyal DK supporters. In the end, like always, we knew DK would stand up (which he did on the floor of the house.) I was just frustrated at the time that we could not get him our earlier.

That being said...

I appologize that my comments were made publically during a time I was simply frustrated. We are all human, and I share so much solidarity with my DU brothers and sisters, that sometime my fingers type too much.

I am glad he stood up on the floor. I am glad he continues to be a needed voice of progressive change in the House. I am glad I have so many loyal supportes of PDA and Dennis that continue to hammer me when I say something off kilter in order for me to keep the faith. Thank you for assuring I continue to have faith.

Appologies if I ruffled any feathers, including former staff, supporters, and the progressive visonary himself.

I hope you understand the stress we were all in during time, and please don't take some of these posts as literal as they sound at times. I have learned a lesson not to air my frustrations with notable personalities I work with online. Next time I will just ride the wave and know that in the end, the right thing will happen.

Peace and Solidarity,
Kevin Spidel
http://www.spidel.net

[welshTerrier2]

1. nicely said !!

thanks for signing on with us for the proposed PDA forum ... i have a formal proposal for the group in the ATA forum ...

for other "Kucitizens" and enlightened progressives, if you haven't signed the DU PDA forum proposal yet, you can still do so at the following link ... we'd love to have all the support we can get:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1485593&mesg_id=1485593&page=

[WilliamPitt]

2. You shouldn't have to apologize for anything

The hard fact is that working for, around or near Mr. Kucinich can be a profoundly frustrating experience. You have more than paid your dues, sir, and should not be censured for speaking your mind. Anyone who doubts that should try riding in the van sometime before they pass judgment.

[Tinoire]

5. Snort.

:snort:

Maybe it wouldn't have been so frustrating if you had spent more time promoting Kucinich and less time promoting Kerry during your short stint as his "Press Secretary".

[WilliamPitt]

6. "try riding in the van sometime before they pass judgment"

[buddhamama]

8. what's next on your schedule, Mr. Pitt-

a tell all book?

[dpbrown]

9. Kevin didn't need any more help showing DK's "humanity"

And so your barb was uncalled for, even in the spirit of camaraderie in which it's offered to Kevin.

Dan Brown
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Helped Organize DK at Central High School, St. Paul, 2003
Helped Organize and appeared on stage after DK, DK at Northrup 2003
Snowed in with DK and volunteers in Iowa 2004

Kucinich Delegate to the Democratic National Convention

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Hey, it's ok. We're all kinda crazy from living in this Twilight zone of

Amerikkka.

*hugs*
----------------------------------------------------------
Save our country one town, county, and state at a time!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm#why

[Kevin Spidel]

4. the sad thing is

one bad post gets sent far and wide, and all the good posts with praise gets over looked. ahhh such is life in the blog world.

[Ignis]

7. Whether needed or no,

It's great to see someone rethink an earlier posting.

I certainly don't think Dennis walks on water (at least not without his Tevas on), but I was greatly encouraged to see that he finally stood up on this issue.

[buddhamama]

10. Nov.10th Kucinich on Ohio election fraud

A Note On The Presidential Election in Ohio
by Congressman Dennis Kucinich

The 2004 presidential election was determined by the results of Ohio. The unofficial result, as reported on November 3, had George Bush with approximately 136,000 more votes than John Kerry. Senator Kerry conceded the election to President Bush. He also said every vote would be counted.
I have been vigilant in monitoring Ohio's election in 2004. Attorneys from my party closely monitored the election before and during election day. While there were some incidents of voter intimidation noted by the attorneys, most if not all cases were resolved at the scene because of quick action by challengers, witnesses, the Kerry campaign, and volunteers from other campaigns including my own.

The unofficial count gave Ohio to George Bush by approximately 136,000 votes. The official count by county Boards of Election will begin on Saturday, November 13, 2004. It is due at the Secretary of State's office by December 1. The Secretary of State must certify the election by December 3.

During this interim period, attorneys from both political parties, and those representing me, will be watching the procedures by county Boards of Elections carefully. Among the most important issues to note is the counting of the overvotes. Overvotes occur when more than one candidate is indicated on the punch card. Another issue relates to whether all properly cast provisional ballots will be counted.

My constituents have also brought other issues to my attention. In an effort to provide appropriate government oversight, I am reviewing every issue and bringing them to the attention of attorneys, congressional authorities, party officials, or Boards of Elections, as appropriate. I want to assure my constituents and others who have contacted me with their concerns, that I am paying c lose attention to this important period of time between the initial results and the official vote tabulation and will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action where supported by facts.

Serious problems surfaced in this election that must be addressed at the state and national level. Some were inefficiencies in handling the massive turn out. No citizen should have to wait for hours to vote, or worry whether their vote was actually counted.

Glitches in electronic voting in the Columbus area should move all legislatures to demand paper receipts for voting machines. Without such a paper trail, no true recount can ever be done. Note that no Diebold electronic voting machines were employed in Ohio.

Clear efforts at voter suppression and intimidation were well handled by the courts and election officials. Dirty tricks occurred across the state, including phony letters from Boards of Elections telling people that their registration through some Democratic activist groups were invalid and that Kerry voters were to report on Wednesday because of massive voter turnout. Phone calls to voters giving them erroneous polling information were also common. Attempts to subvert our right to fair elections must be investigated and prosecuted when possible.

With passion running so high in this country and specter of Florida 2000 still hanging over the presidential voting process, it is important to gather hard evidence prior to disputing the legitimacy of the election.

Meanwhile, it is obvious that the Help America Vote Act of 2002 needs to be refined. Arduous voter identification rules unfairly penalize the poor, lead to a violation of rights and defeat the intent of the act.

The official tabulation of votes for Ohio will begin on Saturday and will include four categories not reflected in the unofficial count: provisional ballots, late absentee ballots, overseas military and overseas civilian.

If the difference between George Bush and John Kerry is less than one quarter of one percent after the official tally is completed (about 16,000 votes) an automatic recount occurs under Ohio law.

If the margin is greater than one quarter of one percent, a candidate can request a recount at an expense to the candidate of $10 per precinct. Because there are approximately 12,000 precincts in Ohio, the recount would cost about $120,000, before legal fees. A recount would entail a visual inspection of every punch card ballot.

I believe we must pursue every lead which raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Our work may not change the outcome, but it will demonstrate that beyond our commitment to our candidates, we have a higher commitment to our democracy.

Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) is Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

[genius]

11. Don't worry. The news blackout makes everything confusing.

Even I was becoming a little worried. I heard him speak out about voting rights (great speech) shortly after the election but had not heard anything from his since regarding it. I'm not in Ohio and the news doesn't carry much and certainly not any information about Dennis. I was sure he was watching the recount efforts but with so many Democrats (like Kennedy) I trusted caving in, I suggested that people call Dennis's office and make sure he would oppose the Ohio electors on January 6th. I figure this will be a major issue in future presidential elections as the war was in the last one. I shouldn't have had any doubts and I probably owe him an apology for being uncertain of what he would do on January 6th. Of course, I was so proud and relieved when he signed Conyers letter on January 5th and voted with Stephanie and Boxer on the 6th. I think that we just need to learn that Dennis can always be trusted to live up to our highest expectations.

[genius]

12. Are all Kucitizens aware of the discussion group for Kucinich supporters

I don't think a lot of people are using it but it's hopefully a place where we can talk to those who care about him. It's not private though.

[robbedvoter]

13. His vote - his deed as good as his word. he has all my respect

and I don't want to hear private bitching against one of the few brave reps who dare CONTEST the election.
HE WAS THERE (not in Bagdad)