Mr Palau, a few days ago you challenged me on the issue of whether Bush had signed a Texas law which mandated manual recounts. It seemed the evidence you presented was strong, but the one thing that kept bothering me was the link you provided never gave indication of who signed what when. So, I left it at bay in the hopes of digging something up later. Well....here goes....
The statute is clear when read fully. A manual recount only comes about in a rare case when an extensive list of other criteria occur first. Only by chopping off sections of the statute's can it be read the way Gore's lawyers spun it. The preference applies only when (1) two or more parties are requesting the recount and (2) the parties requesting the recount note in their application for a recount a difference in the type of recount requested. Additionally, that part of the law was not signed by Bush and was already law when Bush took office.
capitol.state.tx.us
While it is true that Bush signed an amendment to the law in 1997, this amendment relates only to the use of a manual recount and modified only the procedure on recounts found in a completely different section from the manual recount standards section.
The uniform code for conducting a manual recount was last amended in 1993 and took effect September 1, 1993, almost a year and a half before Bush took office. The code itself was further enacted January 1, 1986. In both cases, the laws were passed under Democrat legislatures with Democrat Governors. Ann Richards was governor in 1993 and Mark White was Governor in 1986. Both are Democrats.
The statute on manual recounts is documented here: Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 728, § 52, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
capitol.state.tx.us
The law which sets as standard that electronic recounts be conducted unless specifically requested otherwise was signed into law by Governor White in 1985 and later amended in a measure signed by Governor Bill Clements, a Republican, in 1987.
Therefore, Gore's talking points that Bush signed a law which:
1. Established standards for a manual recount.
2. Included in those standards provisions for counting pregnant, swinging, hanging etc. chads.
3. Included in those standards provisions giving counties widespread discretion in interpreting the "intent" of the voters.
4. Declaring that a manual recount always be given preference as the best and most accurate way to conduct a recount.
Is complete nonsense.
Michael
p.s. I'm still digging into the federal postage stamp requirements of overseas military personnel. |
