Last week, KT at Burnt Orange Report wrote about a clever gambit by the Texas GOP to get the Green Party automatic ballot access:
Basic Point- The Texas Republican Party bought the Texas Green Party for less than $200,000, knowing that without a Democrat running for Comptroller, Green Party nominee Ed Lindsay could more easily garner 5% ensuring Green Party access for the 2012 elections.
Ed Lindsay, twice the Democratic nominee in HD-54 against Republican Rep. Aycock is but a pawn in this almost beautiful GOP scheme. Many Democrats, seeing no nominee of their own on the ballot, still want to vote against Comptroller Combs- but now they have a Green candidate (instead of just a Libertarian) for whom they can cast their protest vote. And if enough voters, just 5%, choose the Green Party candidate to "stick it" to the Republicans by voting for the "most liberal" alternative, Democrats will give the Greens (and the Republicans) the only thing they both want- automatic statewide Green Party ballot access for 2012.
The facts of the case are incontrovertible. It's all out in the open. But it's always painful for the Greens to admit when they're being used by Republicans, and the candidate in this case, fired off one of the most hilarious letters to the folks at Burnt Orange Report:
Dear Mr. Musselman:
How DARE you call me a "pawn" for the Republican Party! Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a "pawn" for anybody.
I have not been, nor am now, nor will be a "pawn" for any person, any organization, or, especially, a political party. The reason I am in this race is to restore Honesty and Integrity in our State Government and to correct what has been going wrong in the Comptroller's office. Plus, I don't believe in career politicians neither.
Anyone who has viewed my web site at www.newmenu.org/lindsay and has seen my qualifications and accomplishments knows that my principles are beyond reproach; and it is outrageous that you insult me by calling me a "pawn." This is disgraceful and shows a lack of integrity and honesty on your part.
The REAL REASON that Republicans wanted a Green candidate on the State Ballot is NOT for the reason you cited on your Burnt Orange web site. The Real Reason is that they wanted to draw some votes away from their Republican candidate for Governnor! You know this to be true and you should inform your readers as well. .
By the way, Bill White's father knows me very well; and he will be the first to tell you there is NO WAY that I would be a "pawn" for anybody.
I demand an apology on your web site!
If you don't have the intestinal fortitude to issue an apology, then at least print my retort on your Burnt Orange web site. According to law and to the Texas Ethics Commission, I have the right to respond to any political attack; but I tried to post a reply on your web site and you apparently blocked me from doing so or even posting a blog.
It really irks me that someone, like you, tries to impugn my integrity.
You should also admit to your readers that you are a staunch Democrat and oppose anyone who would give Democrats any competition
Sincerely,
Edward Lindsay
U.T. Austin grad of 1963
Texas Green Candidate
for Comptroller of Public Accounts
5062 Tierney Ct. South
Fort Worth, Texas 76112
Sure, it's cute that he thinks he has a right to respond to all attacks, when he actually doesn't. And registering to post a comment on a blog is hard!
But what's particularly hilarious is that he thinks the Republican Party paid to get him on the ballot to drain votes away from the Republican gubernatorial candidate!
A useful idiot. Literally.
