UPDATED: Newly Posted RNC Emails: voter suppression in five states

UPDATE: Video of 'Voter Caging' segment of NOW is available on the web, watch it!

I'd just like to draw your attention to an amazing exclusive and investigative goldmine from truthout.org; which  presents previously undisclosed documents that demonstrate how Republican operatives - with the knowledge of several White House officials - engaged in an 'illegal, racially-motivated effort to suppress tens of thousands of votes' during the 2004 presidential campaign.  Truthout.org has the emails posted on their site.

From truthout.org:

The documents also contain details describing how Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign officials, and at least one individual who worked for White House political adviser Karl Rove, planned to stop minorities residing in Cuyahoga County from voting on election day.

   The efforts to purge voters from registration rolls was spearheaded by Tim Griffin, a former Republican National Committee opposition researcher. Griffin recently resigned from his post as interim US attorney for Little Rock Arkansas. His predecessor, Bud Cummins, was forced out to make way for Griffin.

   Another set of documents, 43 pages of emails, provided to Truthout by the PBS news program "NOW," contains blueprints for a massive effort undertaken by RNC operatives in 2004, to challenge the eligibility of voters expected to support Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in states such as Nevada, New Mexico, Florida and Pennsylvania.

Holy batmobile!  Great investigative journalism!  Who needs the MSM?

Truthout.org has this link to a PDF of the RNC emails posted on their website. This story will be presented in an upcoming segment of 'NOW' entitled "Voter Caging", which will air Friday, July 27 on PBS (PBS provided the emails to truthout for use in this exclusive.)

Here are a few more tasty nuggets from this story, but honestly -- go out there and read it for yourself:

One of the individuals connected to the White House who was the recipient of dozens of emails discussing the strategy to suppress votes was Coddy Johnson, the national field director of Bush's 2004 campaign and former associate director of political affairs, working under Karl Rove. Johnson's father was Bush's college roommate at Yale. Another person who was asked to participate in the so-called "voter fraud strategy" conference call was Jennifer Millerwise, a former deputy communications director for the Bush-Cheney 2004 re-election campaign and a former spokesperson for Vice President Cheney. Millerwise was interviewed by Patrick Fitzgerald during the federal investigation into the leak of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson.

In an interview with Truthout in May, David Iglesias, the former US attorney for New Mexico, said Pat Rogers, one of Hearne's colleagues, alleged there was widespread voter fraud in New Mexico and pressured Iglesias to bring criminal charges against some individuals. Iglesias said he had investigated those allegations tirelessly and found zero evidence to back it up. He added that, based on evidence that had surfaced thus far and "Karl Rove's obsession with voter fraud issues throughout the country," he now believes GOP operatives had wanted him to go after Democratic-funded organizations in an attempt to swing the 2006 midterm elections to Republicans.

Go read it!

•  tips for truthout.org!

  by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:30:35 PM PDT

  •  are there any elected Democrats who understand

    and are taking real action on these issues? When it comes to cleaning up our elections and arresting those who have committed crimes in the past i don't see very much.

    FL-13 with 18,000 missing votes STILL has the loser sitting in congress and the winner (and voters) with nothing.

    by ca democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:38:24 PM PDT

    •  If they want to win in 2008, they'd better

      History will repeat itself until you root out all of the rats; the rats are still there, still working.  ROOT THEM OUT.

      by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:41:34 PM PDT

    •  It's like the star Wars trash Compactor

      Except the Republican criminals have no way out. The walls are closing in on them from every direction.

      The Democrats do get it but it takes time to make the case. We are watching history now.

      by FishOutofWater on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:42:18 PM PDT

  •  Do we really need this?

    Has this become standard--posting a tip jar in the name of the good guys you are covering?

    This is a great diary and deserves recommends and tips. But it stands on its own.

    The tips are for you. I'm both tipping and recommending. I know it's just mojo, but let the tip jar be for you and add a promo for truthout.org and encourage support. IMHO.

    by homogenius on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:40:57 PM PDT

    •  I usually just say 'thanks for stopping by'

      Didn't word it that way for tips.  I'm actually supposed to be at an appointment right now, just posted this because it blew my socks off.

      I only used that comment line to say what I am really feeling... and that is that the kudos to go truthout.org.  I'll stick with 'thanks for stopping by' in the future, and put my kudos in the comment text. :(

      by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:46:54 PM PDT

      •  I agree with homogenius, but this is not personal

        about you - it is only because everyone is doing it these days, and it needs to be said.

        Thanks for a good diary.

        by Brecht on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:50:29 PM PDT

        •  I agree too

          I actually wish I could edit the comment.  Argh.  Its done, no way to undo it... and I know what I meant when I wrote it.  You are both right; I didn't really think before I posted it.  I was racing to post this diary and get out the door.  And of course, I'm still here.  Heh. I'll never make it to that appointment now anyway.

          Anyway -- truly sorry I worded it that way.  I do agree  with this, and so I recommended the comment.  Just annoyed that I can't edit it.

          by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:55:40 PM PDT

        •  There was absolutely nothing personal.

          It's a great diary. Didn't mean to hijack the tip jar thread.

          by homogenius on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:30:25 PM PDT

          •  Oh I know -- just realized after your comment

            that you are absolutely right (just never really thought about it, and so fell right into it.)  

            You brought up a very good point -- and that is why I wanted to 'fix' it somehow, even though there wasn't any really good way of doing it at this point.  My frustration was with myself.  :/

            I actually shy away from using the word 'tips' most of the time because it reminds me too much of when I used to wait tables in college!  So the fact that I even used that word is odd... probably more a sign of my rush to get out the door.  

            I look at this kind of diary as more of a plug for someone else -- I didn't do the research for this, I just wanted to draw attention to another person's work (and the emails!)  So I felt weird about posting a tip bucket at all for work I didn't really do.  If that makes sense.  

            Oh well, I can guarantee you that I'll more aware of this next time, so its all good!

            by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:37:17 PM PDT

    •  side bar on that

      I don't mind that trend as much as I am totally annoyed with the new catch phase "good on (fill in the blank)".  

      Where the hell did that come from?  It's so lame and cheesy.

      by MadAsHellMaddie on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:25:23 PM PDT

      •  I think it's British and/or Aussie

        As in 'Good on ya' mate'.

        by homogenius on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:31:28 PM PDT

        •  but it's popped up here

          just recently and from folks who never used it before.  Heck even Tom Hartman on Air America used it this week on his radio show.  It's like the new Lib catch phrase!  

          by MadAsHellMaddie on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:06:35 PM PDT

  •  New tip bucket. 'Thanks for stopping by.' ;D

    by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:47:34 PM PDT

    •  I put a tip here, and took back my other tip

      because I'm not a big fan of multiple tip jars either.

      Yeah, I'm just a curmudgeon.

      by Brecht on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:53:17 PM PDT

      •  Thanks -- for all who see this, please

        do the same.  And thanks for bringing this issue up.  LOL, calling to cancel my appointment.  (I'm so bad... complete and total computer nerd.)

        by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:57:03 PM PDT

  •  perhaps a title change for more traction?

    like Newly Posted RNC Emails..

    Tipped & rec'd... but your diary is important!
    Consider the change?

    by ZZZzzz on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:00:52 PM PDT

    •  Sure, I'll try it

      I suck at titles... trying now... ;D

      by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:09:10 PM PDT

    •  You know, there's just so much going on right now

      So many good stories, amazing stories... I always wonder how many blockbuster diaries I may have missed simply because we're swamped with GOP corruption right now.  

      If you can think of any good tags to add to this, let me know.  That way at least people searching can find it later.

      by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:20:37 PM PDT

      •  Hummm.. A little digging...

        Apparently this Jason Leopold is controversial

        read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/...

        Probably why no traction here...

        by ZZZzzz on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:36:08 PM PDT

        •  Maybe after NOW comes out tomorrow

          The emails are real, so one way or another I'm crossing fingers that the news goes out.

          by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 04:49:13 PM PDT

        •  I do like truthout.org a lot

          They post a lot of great journalistic writings and manage to find things I often miss.  Not so up on their own staff, but they did post the 'Cheney memo', and they were the first place I ever saw it (the one involved in the Plame case.)

          by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 04:50:40 PM PDT

  •  Say RICO, somebody. n/t

    by jakebob on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:01:48 PM PDT

•  I can't wait for the criminal charges

  But we have to investigate and impeach first. This is excellent work.

  by FishOutofWater on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:31:33 PM PDT

  •  Republicans want it all

    

    by ca democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:35:45 PM PDT

•  Emails... hard to deny that kind of proof

  I'd love to hear the entire story of how these emails 'escaped' from the RNC.  Seems democracy itself is fighting back.  That and a whole lot of well placed whistleblowers...

  by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:37:45 PM PDT

  •  PBS will tell more tomorrow

    Link to get you local show time.

    by FishOutofWater on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:39:49 PM PDT

  •  It feels like we're at a tipping point

    with things turning against Bush and the rethugs on so many fronts. And with Bush digging in his heels, especially with his Iraq fairy-tales and delusions of executive privilege.

    So we could see a growing troop of whistle-blowers, until the walls of their Jericho of cards come tumbling down. I think reality and karma are finally hitting back.

    by Brecht on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:47:12 PM PDT

    •  I hope so... desperately hope so...

      Just can't believe Congress is about to break for August.  Seems we're just getting off the ground!

      by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:49:48 PM PDT

      •  August break

        time to gather our forces and meet our congresscritters. weekly protests with Orange Fridays and the Enough campaign on Sundays. (shameless plug - see my diary here)

        Whether Gen. Petreus issues a report on the 15th or not, we can make it important date for our protests. I believe there's a march planned on Washington at that time. We've got a month and a half to build it up.

        by forbodyandmind on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 10:58:17 PM PDT

•  Wow!!! Can U Say "Red-Handed"???!!!

  This is just the smoking gun we've been waiting for!!  Full speed ahead!!!!!

  by serrano on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:38:27 PM PDT

  •  I hope Leahy and Conyers see this...

    But the fact that it will also be on 'NOW' should guarantee that.

    Note to Congress: don't go on August recess!  Stay and GET THEM.

    by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:40:02 PM PDT

    •  Yes!!! Don't Lose Momentum Now!!!!! n/t

      by serrano on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:46:38 PM PDT

    •  Stay, Congress! Stay!

      Our fighting men & women don't get an August recess, why should Congress take one. Good Lord, people! There's work to be done!

      by jakebob on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:57:11 PM PDT

•  I'm glad this is being pursued

  ...even it it's only PBS and truthout.org. Hopefully MSM will pick up on this.
  Thanks for the diary.

  by rioduran on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:44:21 PM PDT

•  Frustration

  This is what is so frustrating about congressional Democrats. Cleaning up elections and making many of the current Repuglican habits and practices illegal, should have been their first order of business when they reclaimed power.  

  Instead, they've done nothing. Unbelievable.

  by Lords on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:46:13 PM PDT

  •  If the Democrats made clean elections...

    ...campaign finance and media reform the central planks of their platform, we could turn the U.S.A. back into a working democracy.

    Voters would love the focus on fixing the broken system and, since the Dems are much closer to the mainstream in their policies, we'd be in power for a generation.

    There are too many long-term Dem. incumbents who are compromised by their deep pockets. This is my biggest fear about Hillary, and I am not convinced that Obama won't go the same way - though I'm very pleased at the spirit he's showing this week.

    The Dems could clean up in DC, in both senses, if they stuck to their best principles and played for posterity and not for short-term profit.

    by Brecht on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:01:59 PM PDT

    •  initiative drive for clean elections in AK

      In my state, there is a petition drive starting for setting up public funding of election campaigning.

      The kickoff here in Juneau was well attended.  Publicity got a boost when the hotel yanked the reservation for using a suite (see, Suite 604 was where  VECO met and bribed state legislators).

      The booklets have not yet been printed (Republican Lt Guv's office).

      by RosyFinch on Sun Jul 29, 2007 at 01:37:28 PM PDT

•  mmmm.....

  has anybody poured over these to confirm the story?....Jason Leopold alert........

  by Buffalo Girl on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:50:56 PM PDT

  •  Emails are from PBS

    And they posted the link.  Check out 'NOW' tomorrow night and hear more... I can't wait... ;D

    by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:04:34 PM PDT

•  And Aliens...

  ...were found dazed in the desert...ho hum.

  by pere on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 12:51:33 PM PDT

•  This is a perfect vehicle

  for the  House or Senate to begin an investigation into voting and campaign irregularities in the 2004 election. Remember, it was the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities in 1974 that led to the House voting impeachment articles. The symmetry of using a similar committee investigation now would be perfect.

  by Gary Norton on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:02:43 PM PDT

•  It's a fricking tsumani of Repug corruption!

  I hate those guys (omg, I said "hate")

  Thanks for the diary.

  by edwardssl on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:08:33 PM PDT

•  Cuyahoga County was ground zero for caging.

  by LRT on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:18:29 PM PDT

•  They say it's always the cover up

  that brings you down... though in this case, it may be both the crime and the coverup.

  by commonscribe on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:50:50 PM PDT

•  This ties in with Conyer's

  I'm glad to see Conyer's attention concentrated on the US Attorneys issue. That is an umbrella over bogus "election fraud" propaganda, caging of minority voters, politically motivated prosecutions, and other blatently political actions by and within the DoJ.

  The underlying issue -- the underlying crime -- is basically the attempt to use illegal means to win elections.

  That was what Watergate was about, remember? A burglary of the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee.

  Everyone could understand what that was about -- trying to mess with honest elections. That wasn't playing fair. And almost everyone was against such a basic attack on our democracy.

  Other high crimes of the Bushite Administration get a little more complicated, easier for the Repubs to obscure what was going on -- like illegal wiretaps, well, they could, maybe, somehow, possibly, actually be related to national security.

  But clearly, messing with our own elections has nothing to do with national security. Americans can come to understand that the US Attorney's case is about using the DoJ to protect corrupt Repubs, go after honest Democrats, and try to steal elections. They know that isn't fair. It's undemocratic. And they when they "get it," they won't like it at all.

  by Woody on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:59:19 PM PDT

•  Unless ALL the dem candidates

   make it a TOP priority that ALL the votes are counted -- the well practiced Republicans will manage to tip the balance again and again.

   This seems logical to me -- and yet we watched Kerry screw up and ignore all the warnings.

    Rove was truly shocked when the numbers in 06 didn't all go his way -- and he is doing everything to manipulate the elections and whatever else he can get his dirty trickster hands on.

    Also the easy to hack, no trail, computer voting -- this has got to go. We must return to the paper ballot, which is hand counted.

    I believe we also need a very simple UNIFORM NATIONAL ballot for ONLY Federal Offices. If the stupid states want to load the ballot with ballot initiatives etc etc etc -- let the states print a second ballot.

  by Carib and Ting on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:00:32 PM PDT

•  David! David! David!

  It is because he refused to do illegal prosecution and was attacked and fired and is now speaking up that this whole thing is on the move!!  

  Good for him!!!  

  by cfk on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:12:45 PM PDT

  •  We need him on that wall

    White House really screwed up when they took him out - and said he had a poor performance rating of all things.  Idiots.   Don't mess with Iglesias...

    by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:16:04 PM PDT

•  ...chilling, actually...

  It's quite chilling to read these e-mails.  It's as if these criminals are organizing a regional sales conference or a bake sale, rather than engineering the decline and fall of a nation.  How do people turn out that way?

  by Slim Chance on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:20:00 PM PDT

  •  I once read a frightening statistic

    That one out of 10 males is a sociopath.  It may be higher, it may be lower... but its interesting that such a large percentage of us go through life with any kind of ethical tether, or real moral rudder.  

    That, and we reward success in business above all else in this country.  We breed people like this.

    by feduphoosier on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:23:45 PM PDT

    •  If that statistic is accurate...

      then we can only expect Bush's approval rating to dip as low as 10 percent.   I wonder if that would get us an impeachment?

      by Slim Chance on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:27:28 PM PDT

•  looking at pbs

  "NOW"for listing for the show was it pulled,damn wont they ever give up

  http://www.pbs.org/...

  by vet on Sun Jul 29, 2007 at 06:25:51 AM PDT

  •  This still works

    http://www.pbs.org/... (for now)

    by feduphoosier on Sun Jul 29, 2007 at 11:12:25 AM PDT

•  So, wait, they can just

  DISREGARD provisionals???  Because I remember tons and tons of angry people demanding to know why they had to vote provisionally in AZ in 2004 when they were sure they were registered.  And of course they were mostly Democrats, people of color, and women.

  by Dinclusin on Sun Jul 29, 2007 at 09:56:21 AM PDT