Diebold sues Mass. Secretary of State over voter machine selection

by: Jan A

Mon Mar 26, 2007 at 14:12:49 PM EDT

Diebold Election Systems Inc. , one of the country's largest manufacturers of voting machines, is scheduled to argue in court today that the Office of the Secretary of State wrongly picked another company to supply thousands of voting machines for the disabled.

Diebold says it will ask a judge to overturn the selection of AutoMARK , a Diebold business competitor, because the office of Secretary of State William F. Galvin failed to choose the best machine.

The contract is valued at about $9 million.

Galvin has dismissed the suit as being "frivolous", which it is.  However, I don't think that is the point.  Diebold, a huge company with so many connections to the Republican Party, it might as well be a wholly owned subsidiary, is announcing that it will start a court fight that will cause financial hardship and delay to any state that doesn't purchase its machines. 

Another incumbent ducks a debate

by: Jan A

Thu Aug 31, 2006 at 21:04:05 PM EDT

After hearing about Galvin's participation, I thought that he, unlike Rep. Stephen Lynch, the 9th District incumbent who is hiding like a girly-man from Phil Dunkelbarger, was a stand-up kind of guy. I will now have to reassess the man's character.  I think he may actually be more of a weasel than Lynch.

Galvin apparently called up right before the debate in Medford to say he was "stuck" in New Bedford.  (Wasn't that a Dylan song?  "Stuck Inside of New Bedford With the Medford Blues Again") Then, he just didn't show in Worcester.  Nice, huh?

Who do these incumbents think they are?  Royalty?  Members of the Supreme Court?  They are ELECTED, not APPOINTED FOR LIFE. At least Lynch had the etiquette to chicken out a few days BEFORE the event. 

Did they forget who they work for?  Aren't we, their constituents, even owed the courtesy of a single debate before deciding to renew their contract?  Are Lynch and Galvin so insecure that they feel threatened by their lesser known opponents?  I guess so.

So who's the biggest weasel - Lynch or Galvin?

Jass Stewart's creative fundraising letter

by: Jan A

Sat Aug 26, 2006 at 19:48:17 PM EDT

Next month’s primary elections represent the perennial political fork in the road. Do we continue with more of the same? Or do we elect more capable and honest leadership for our state and our country? It’s not about Democrats or Republicans. It’s not about the old politics of getting even. It’s about optimism over cynicism. It’s about a new politics of getting results.
This year, I’ve been personally impressed and inspired by a number of candidates who are running because they are passionate about making a difference. Please visit the following Web sites to learn more about my candidates of choice for 2006.
I’ve personally contributed over $1,500 and donated over 100 hours of volunteer time to these candidates. And to be frank, I need to do more – and I will. I mention this because I want you to understand how deep my belief is in these individuals. And I do not take lightly that I’m asking you to trust my judgment as I encourage you to support these candidates as well.

In Massachusetts (Primary: September 19, 2006)

> Deval Patrick for Governor – Contribute

> Andrea Silbert for Lieutenant Governor – Contribute

> John Bonifaz for Secretary of State – Contribute

> Phil Dunkelbarger for Congress – Contribute

In Rhode Island (Primary: September 12, 2006)

> Jennifer Lawless for Congress – Contribute

You know the old saying: There’s safety in numbers. Well, there’s also success in numbers. With 5,000 names on my email list, if each person donated a total of $25 to these candidates ($5 each), we would quickly raise $125,000 (or $25,000 per campaign) to win back not only our safety, but our economy, our educational system, our government – now that’s success!

Patrick, Silbert, Bonifaz, Dunkelbarger, and Lawless are the leaders we’ve been looking for – leaders we need and deserve! Please support these candidates today with your most generous contribution of time and/or money.

Feel free to contact me via email or phone if you’d like to know more about why I’m supporting these candidates. Also, help me spread the word. Please forward this message to at least five of your friends.

With regards,
Jass Stewart

Anyone else game?