[Toddsterpatriot]

When has nothing to do with it, it's how. I suppose I shouldn't be shocked, but I am a little, over how Freepers respond to this episode, treating it as if the only thing that matters is party politics.

I'd be concerned about Republican vote fraud too. It's just that at least 95% of the fraud is Dems.

If this was fake Republican candidate (and a criminal coerced to run by a plea bargain, no less) that sucked up 2000 votes this board would be outraged, and rightfully so.

You've got to reread that article: But less than a month before the May 2004 primary election, Esposito dropped out, saying he had to withdraw because of his ailing mother-in-law.

He didn't suck up any votes.

Innocent players have nothing to worry about.

Exactly.

[jordan8]

Because Esposito had not dropped out until mid-April 2004, his name remained on the May primary ballot. He received 2,175 votes, coming in last among 10 candidates.

[Wristpin]

These people actively disenfranchise their fellow americans.

Let's see some frogmarching!!!!

[D-fendr]

While I appreciate that he dropped out, an election is not only determined on election day or even a month out. Elections are affected by all the politics involved during the campaign.

Who runs, who supports whom, who works for whom, who contibutes to what campaign, etc. are all dynamic factors affecting an election.

Running the mayor as a bogus candidate distorted the election. It is a matter of degree just how much. What I'm objecting to is this distortion. I would like the FBI to catch crooks with the minimal possible effect on the lawful election process.