Did Republicans Give Hillary Her Victory in Ohio?
by By Bob Fitrakis & Harvey Wasserman
March 8, 2008

Hilary Clinton's larger-than-expected victory in Ohio may have been won with votes from Republicans, and from independents who usually vote Republican.
Much has been made of Rush Limbaugh’s other far-right commentators’ pleas to Republicans to cast their ballots for her in open primary states like Ohio and Texas. Part of the strategy is to slow down Barack Obama, who analysts argue will be harder for John McCain to beat this fall. Others, like Ann Coulter, have gone so far as to say they actually PREFER Clinton to McCain. Such voters would certainly also prefer the former first lady to Obama. ...full article: http://www.freepress.org/departments/dis...

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Texas caucus hardball

The Dallas Morning News gets hold of Clinton caucus "training materials," in which supporters are instructed to fight for procedural control of caucuses.

The materials say in part, "DO NOT allow the supporter of another candidate to serve in leadership roles."

It goes on to say, "If our supporters are outnumbered, ask the Temporary Chair if one of our supporters can serve as the Secretary, in the interest of fairness.

"The control of the sign-in sheets and the announcement of the delegates allotted to each candidate are the critical functions of the Chair and Secretary. This is why it is so important that Hillary supporters hold these positions."

full post: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0...

http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/cfcp...

Texas Ethics Commission

CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play that every candidate and political committee in this state has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.

THEREFORE:

(1) I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my opponent.s record and stated positions on issues.

(2) I will not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or the candidate.s personal or family life.

(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.

(4) I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts, nor will I use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts, without justification, as to the personal integrity or patriotism of my opponent.

(5) I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters, including any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

(6) I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process, and will not engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

(7) I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not to use or condone. I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections.

I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political committee, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct the campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.


______________________
Date

______________________
Signature

http://www.softwaresecure.com/pdf/Cheati...

What Makes People Cheat?

Cheaters seem to be everywhere these days -- in sports, in corporate boardrooms, and in the highest levels of government. ...

...cheating has a real and corrosive effect on society. Society is premised on people accepting and obeying the rules. Why do we stop at a stoplight on a desolate road in the middle of the night? Or why don't we steal a pack of gum when we know that the cashier isn't looking? Part of it may come from the fear that we're secretly being watched. But another reason is that most of us have agreed to be bound by the rules of our society. Cheating breaks those rules, and the effects can be far-reaching.

"Cheating is harmful because is betrays your responsibility to the community," says McCabe. "It can make community standards fall apart."

Imagine being treated by a doctor who never took an exam in medical school without a cheat sheet? Or What Makes People Cheat? - Trustworthy, Physician finding out that your home team only won because they had the most effective doping regimen? We all rely on the fact that people -- like doctors and athletes -- are what they seem, that they're qualified and have earned their position.

Although there's little firm evidence, some experts think that cheating in one part of your life may lead to cheating in others. "People who cut corners early in life -- such as cheating a lot in school -- may bring that habit to the workplace," says Callahan.

Cheating also forces you to lie to yourself. Callahan says that many cheaters develop rationalizations for why they cheat.

We say we lie on our taxes because we think tax rates are too high. We say we're cheating in school not because we couldn't do the assignment on our own but because it's much faster to copy. We say we have an illegal cable hook-up because we're protesting the monopoly of the local cable company. The more excuses you need to justify your behavior, the more compromised your ethical compass. You may ultimately wind up feeling like a fraud, unworthy of the things you have.

...Combating systemic cheating in our society requires some dramatic changes, experts say. McCabe strongly suggests that colleges adopt formal honor codes in order to fight cheating in school. Callahan argues that we need to create a more equitable society where the opportunities for the rich and the poor are not so starkly different.

On an individual level, McCabe argues that you should examine your own actions. Remember that there are more important things than getting ahead or having a perfect GPA.

"If you get a B while everyone else got an A because they were cheating, that's a good B to have," says McCabe.

Callahan agrees that we need to put less stress on individual achievements and relax a little. "Parents can recognize that life is not a linear set of accomplishments," says Callahan. "People can find their way, and a kid doesn't need to jump through every hoop perfectly in order to lead a secure life."

Many people feel pushed into cheating because everyone else is doing it -- they don't want to be the lone chump who does things honestly. But if you're in that position, Callahan has some interesting advice:

Take a stand and be a chump. You may feel better about yourself if you do.