HD-73: Nathan Macias Loses Again

now it gets ugly (0.00 / 0)

After losing a recount by such a close margin, this is likely headed to an election contest.

Unless something has changed recently, a plaintiff has to allege that there were errors in the casting, counting or recounting of votes...and be specific when he/she files.  If you don't plead something specific...it will get tossed. Also, the deadlines are insane.  If macias' people didn't use the recount to do discovery and start assembling the facts they allege, they might not be able to allege enough to get over the hump.

I can tell you first hand: they are insanely expensive and politically troubling because campaigns can be deposed about electioneering tactics and other internal campaign documents, strategies and alliances.

I've seen cases where the judge literally brought over 100 voters into court, swore them in, and made them tell who they voted for.  Votes (usually mail ballots) are then tossed or reassigned based on that testimony.

Most of the shenanigans occur with mail ballots so the candidate with the more organized mail ballot program is the one most likely to lose votes as those are usually the easiest to kick out.

Election contests are dangerous PR territory because it is easy to look like a sore loser who just can't swallow defeat...but it doesn't mean that plaintiffs don't sometimes win.

Miller is lucky: he is defending the will of the voters and is backed up by dozens of state-mandated procedures and rules that ensure the integrity of the election.

macias has to impugn the integrity of the process and, in some cases, individual voters.  not a pleasant place to be.

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by: colin @ Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 10:54:00 AM CDT

The Name Game (0.00 / 0)

Sam Houston? Daniel Boone?

Is there some sort of rule that you must run for office in this state if have an anachronistic yet humorous name? :-)

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by: kath25 @ Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 11:11:56 AM CDT

Don't knock it (0.00 / 0)

It got Jesse James elected State Treasurer for decades.

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by: Michael McPhail @ Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 11:35:52 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Actually, he is related to THE Daniel Boone (0.00 / 0)

I can't remember how many "great"s are in there, but he is a direct descendent.
Kinda cool.

But I have to give the man props, he refused to wear a coonskin cap, the last time I talked to him.  His campaign really wants him to.  Poor thing.  Too damn hot to pull that kind of stuff, now!

Full Disclosure: Former Political Director for Lee Leffingwell for Mayor of Austin

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by: sccs @ Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 14:02:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sweet (0.00 / 0)

That name is going to help him win in Texas.  Good for him!

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by: sonia @ Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 14:06:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Should be fun (0.00 / 0)

This one's going to get interesting. I might have to re-register to vote back home in New Braunfels.

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by: AlexFerraro1 @ Sat Apr 12, 2008 at 01:40:43 AM CDT