Ali Re...When a chad is attached somehow, but not missing completely, the machine does not register sufficient levels of light, calling an undervote. As for dimpled chads, despite all the rhetoric, the standard used, whatever it may be, is equally applied to the analysis of ballots that could have been cast for either candidate. <<<
If the same standard was applied statewide , fine, but every county has different standards, and some of these standards have been changed after the election. For instance, Gore sued successfully to have PB county include the counting of dimpled ballots even though PB county didn't have that standard before the election. That is the problem, different standards, and differing interpretations of dimpled ballots can easily swing the election on way or another. The changing of standards, such as was done in PB county is against article two of the constitution.
If Bush believes that has won the popular vote in the state, why is he so afraid of learning how many such ballots are in the total number of undervotes. If the entire state is undervote-counted, the ratio should hold, and he should come out the winner anyway. (Rhetorical question). <<
Isn't that like saying that any team which has won because of a disputed referees call should be willing to play it over again. Disputed calls happen every game. It may be tough luck but that is the way it is. In Bush's case, Bush felt he won the recounts. Its when you start to bring in mystics to divine the intent of the voter, that the problems begin. In addition, the recounting of all of Fla, probably wouldn't change the election.. Why? Because with all of PB and Brouward county and 2/5 of Dade counted, Bush still had a 150 vote lead. In addition all of the Military votes were ruled on friday had to be included, probably bring GW lead to approximately 300. Of the 27000 votes statewide that are left, 15000 votes are in counties won by Bush, plus the 2/5 of Dade county that was counted, included the heaviest Bush precincts. The 3/5 of Dade county which is left, is approximatey even between GW and AG votes. So,it is unlikely that Al would win the recount of the whole state. Even with the three heaviest Dem. counties counted, PB, Brouward, and Dade, Bush would still have a lead. From Bushes side, why take the chance? Without PB county being forced by Als lawsuit to count the dimpled chads,Bush would have another 200 votes. And it is that changing of standards after the election which is the problem with the USSC; because it violates article two of the constitution.
Al like to claim he won the popular votes, but you must remember, Al lost 30 of 50 states, including his home state. I said a month ago, the whole state should be counted, in order to give Bush legitimancy. You can win the battle but lose the war. I still feel that way. Bush would be taking a chance of losing, but taking away Al's strongest argument would probably make it worth it. |
