[NWPT48]Just a few notes, thoughts and observations this morning, as we await Judge Bridges’ ruling. I’ll update this post as/if things occur to me.
Kirby Wilbur at 8 am
Um… I’ll be on Kirby Wilbur at 8 am, KVI-570. We’ll be sharing cherished family recipes discussing this election contest thing.
Watch/listen to the ruling live on TVW
Tune in to Judge Bridges’s ruling live, streaming on the internet at TVW.org. I’m sure your boss won’t mind.
Am I a liar or fool? (6:23 am)
David Postman in the Seattle Times reprinted this quote from an editorial in the Wenatchee World:
“We do not know how Judge John Bridges will rule Monday,” the paper wrote. “Anyone who says they know is, as they say, a liar or a fool or both.”
Hmm. I’ve made my prediction. If I had to choose between the two, I’d say I’m a fool.
Why am I so foolishly confident? (7:17 am)
Judge Bridges issued three pre-trial rulings that made it exceedingly difficult for Rossi to prevail based on the evidence presented: 1) Rossi needs to prove that he would have won, but for illegal votes and other irregularities, 2) the standard of proof is “clear and convincing,” and 3) voter crediting will not be accepted as evidence of illegal votes.
Unless Judge Bridges reverses himself on the first ruling, he would have to reverse himself on the other two to give Rossi a fighting chance. I saw no indication (and little argument) that he might reverse himself on any of these rulings.
Post-ruling coverage (7:46 am)
FYI, I’m in Philadelphia, heading back to Seattle this afternoon. The Judge is scheduled to give his ruling at 9 am Pacific, and I must leave for the airport by 11 am. Assuming the TVW feed isn’t overloaded, I plan to be listening in, post a news bulletin live, then post a brief, knee jerk analysis before heading out. I’ll post a more in depth piece later tonight, after I’ve had a chance to read the MSM and other blogs.
I’m all a titter (8:55 am)
Five minutes until D-Day (the “D” stands for “Democrat”.) Perhaps I’ll post some comments here, as the Judge delivers his decision, depending how suspenseful he makes it.
Ruling in progress… (9:15 am)
Judge sends a message by saying he will not send a message:
“I have been asked in closing arguments to send a message. I’m going to decline that invitation. This court is not in a position to fix deficiencies in the election process that this court heard about over the past nine days.”
Judge rejecting proportional deduction? (9:22 am)
Says neither side demonstrated felons voted for a gubernatorial candidate.
No evidence that errors were result of bias (9:33 am)
And no evidence of ballot stuffing.
Judge rejects proportional deduction! (9:36 am)
Unscientific. Rossi lost Frye hearing.
Baynative spews:
May I Be the first to offer Christine Gregoire a thought for today.
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
Plenty of fools among us. This ruling will be interesting…but really not all that important.
Remember that Microsoft was broken up? Oh yeah…appealed and reversed.
Ben Schiendelman spews:
We’ll see. I actually went through and read the transportation bill – it’s amazing. Crossing grade separations for major rail lines, upgrades to benefit the Cascades service, highway improvements across the state. Gas fell 9.5c in the last week – nobody will even notice a gas tax.
I’m a fan. I’ve been watching what’s been coming out of her office, and so far, it’s been beneficial not only to me, but to my business.
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
Isn’t the real likelihood that Bridges will issue a decision somewhere in the middle of the R’s and D’s positions? Is that what judges normally do?
headless lucy spews:
Don’t ever call yourself a fool around Reps, Goldy. They don’t understand self-deprecating humor. They’ll just think you’ve finally seen the light.
Goldy spews:
Lucy @5,
But if I’m a fool, that must make Stefan a liar, right?
“beware the fool who knows why he laughs”
Scott spews:
What will be decided this morning is this. Which party will be bringing their appeal to the Supremes.
headless lucy spews:
Great quote ,Goldy! I didn’t know that you were such a big fan of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield….
Chee spews:
D-Day is here. Fool or no fool, logic will prevail. Goldy’s take is logical. The most logical guess is that the Rossi case will end up with option one of the three decisions Judge Bridges has to choose between today. Option one: Reject Republican’`s case. While Republicans wait, let the celebration begin for the Democrates. :-)
Good Morning, Governor Rossi spews:
Where exactly does one obtain some “Democrates”?
Can I expect them to be undependable, wide but shallow?
headless lucy spews:
Good Morning,Good morning. That is the most clever thing I’ve ever seen on HA. Your wit is so prescient and astounding. I hope you stay here all day and “shine your little light.”
Do you feel at home here? Just like on SP?
Good Morning, Governor Rossi spews:
God, Goldy…
“Be nice to me”??
“He certainly could rule whatever way he wants”???
“Jenny is great… not in terms of courtroom presence…”???
LMAO!! You REALLY said these things???
dj spews:
Hey Goldy,
Nice spot on KVI. Have a safe trip home.
(Man, do I miss real Philly Cheesestakes!)
Chee spews:
Good Morning, Governor Rossi @ 10. Your question: ” Can I expect them (Democrates) to be undependable, shallow and wide?” Answer: Nope. Expect the Repers will be wearing depends.
Good Morning, Governor Rossi spews:
Well, aren’t you ever so clever??
So tell me, what EXACTLY do adult diapers have to do with “Democrates“??
Oh I get it.
You were attempting HUMOR.
Attempt failed.
headless lucy spews:
Ouch! I guess you showed him! You’re fabulous,Good Morning….. Is there anything you can’t do well?
Good Morning, Governor Rossi spews:
I could never imitate your insanity dearie.
headless lucy spews:
Wow! And your no buttkisser either! You’re the best conservative poster……EVER!!!!!
windie spews:
When you’re reduced to making fun of your opponents spelling, you really have nothing left.
If the reps are reduced to this, I’d take it as a good sign~
wes.in.wa spews:
One last prediction: if Judge Bridges includes in his ruling upholding the election a single bit of criticism of the King County elections process, the Republicans will wave that bit like a flag of victory.
Okay, 9 a.m.
Here goes.
DamnageD spews:
The crow’s on the table…I wonder who gets to eat it?
Repbs- Yes, you can wash it down with champane.
Dems- Yes, it’s a freerange Crow.
Nindid spews:
‘The petition did not allege fraud by any elected official’ – hmmm.
jdm spews:
jeeeezusss… Listening to Bridge’s finding of facts is worse than Genesis’ family tree (xxx begat xxx begat … begat xxx).
( am I the only one who Bridges reminds of Phil Jackson? )
Nindid spews:
Ouch… not looking good for Republicans and using statistics to overturn elections… for this layman statistics has no place here.
torridjoe spews:
god, could the feed be any worse??
Mark spews:
This sounds like the worst elementary school math “story problem” of all time! If Johnny gets 1 million votes and Suzie gets…
headless lucy spews:
I hate this word, but I want “closure”and I want it now.
DamnageD spews:
Love it!
lots of NO EVIDENCE comments coming from Bridges!
Nindid spews:
“No evidence….” that Republicans ever had a case here.
Rujax206 spews:
Looking BAD for Sharky.
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
This judge is really relying upon the law.
As Goldy has pointed out OVER and OVER again, the law is clear.
DamnageD spews:
…get that fine china ready righties…
headless lucy spews:
The Reps are losing it over at SP> They’re in a rabid, frothing frenzy.
WingDingALings @ it again spews:
Feel the luuvvv for Gill and Katz!!!!
Rujax206 spews:
Stick a fork in ’em.
torridjoe spews:
Just dropped the hammer!
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
However, Goldy is also right. The republicans never had a case. They knew it. They only wanted a PR battle to unseat Democrats left and right in the future.
Here’s hoping that the voters realize the Rs tried to use the courts to further a PR battle when the case has no merit. They will turn on the Rs and the PR battle will backfire.
Ideally, Bridges should make the Rs pay for all the Ds charges in this worthless case.
wes.in.wa spews:
Looks like it’s gonna be crow & champagne. I’ll have a little of that champagne, thanks.
Cheers.
DamnageD spews:
Gill and Cats shot down in flames!
As is the ballot stuffing blather!
Should I call the fire dept?
Mark spews:
There’s the “judicial restraint” comment… (i.e. “The law prevents me…”)
JDM spews:
Bridges:
– no evidence of fraud by election officials
– no evidence more felon votes in KC than any other county
– R’s statisticians relied on presumptions which determined a specific outcome. (eg. rejected proportional theory)
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
Where are the trolls??????????????/
Where is Stefan’s army????????????
WingDingALings @ it again spews:
Where is that WINGNUT PINHEAD Mr. Cynical?
jcricket spews:
There goes proportional deduction and with it the Republicans are toast.
Fraud’s gone, misconduct & neglect have also been removed. By by Cynical.
Not to mention the judge citing the RCWs that state election workers have no ability to stop someone from voting once they have a registration card.
The judges comments so far summed up “Republicans have generally not presented any evidence to support their case. Moreover, any evidence or theories that have been advanced are not generally accepted and do not meet the burden of proof or the law.”
jcricket spews:
You know, behind all the rhetoric, I think the number of errors/problems, considering the size of the voting pool, is actually quite small.
Hopefully the election reforms recently passed (plus maybe an earlier primary if we ever get that) will further reduce the error rate.
DamnageD spews:
Goldy, is there gonna be beer and cake at this party?
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
HOORAY for the rule of law!
torridjoe spews:
just officially crushed proportional deduction!
jcricket spews:
Ouch – even with proportional deduction, Gregoire would have one (according to Judge).
Priscilla spews:
Judge Bridges is still reading his Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. Man this is like watching grass grow. The FF don’t look good for Rossi at all. The judge rejected the Repubs’ proportional analysis as scientifically flawed. He specifically found that no election worker nor anyone sociated with either candidate engaged in ballot stuffing or removal of ballots. I think it’s over for Rossi.
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
So…will ROSSI do a Nethercutt flip-flop and announce tomorrow (or after the supreme court upholds this decision) that he’ll run for Senate?
Tim spews:
Rossi…feck you
Mark spews:
jc @ 45: “Hopefully the election reforms recently passed (plus maybe an earlier primary if we ever get that) will further reduce the error rate.”
You’re not that gullible, are you? Or is that a cup of Kool-Aid I see on the table next to you? The Legislature is not going to put any rules into place that mess up the system that put them in office. Anything done so far is just window dressing.
jdm spews:
Bridges:
– proportional deduction does not meet standards: does not satisfy “petitioners burden” (explains premise rejected by the court)
– “there is no evidence in this record that Miss Gregoire recieved any felon votes. Rossi recieved 4.”
– “Because there is no evidence of wrongdoing by either candidate, the results must be treated as a (from memory) valid vote”.
Priscilla spews:
It looks like Judge Bridges’ ruling will increase Gregoire’s victory margin from 129 to 133 votes.
jcricket spews:
Judge comments “No evidence that Gregoire received any illegal votes.”
Republican lawyers really failed to meet the burden of proof as defined by law.
headless lucy spews:
Should we be magnanimous in victory? Wellllllllllllllllll—-HELL NO! Let’s rub it in good. Let’s “whip it!….Whip it good!”
torridjoe spews:
Ha! Final tally is Gregoire +134! Rossi LOST 4 votes in his challenge!
WingDingALings @ it again spews:
Goldy,
A party should have security. These wingnuts are capable of anything!
torridjoe spews:
Whoops, 133, sorry.
Priscilla spews:
(Picture cartoon of Rossi watching Judge Bridges read his ruling. The little balloon above Rossi’s head says:)
“The people have spoken — darn them!”
jcricket spews:
Anything done so far is just window dressing.
Hmm, a statewide felon database and different colored provisional ballots would go a long way to eliminating the real (not speculative) problems identified during this election. Why do you think it’s just window dressing.
Moving the primary earlier (which wasn’t agreed to in the legislature) would also largely eliminate any issues with getting absentee ballots out time.
What actual issues are left that aren’t addressed by recent reforms?
Felix Fermin spews:
SHAME, shame, shame on the GOP mud-slinging machine. All of this was obvious MONTHS ago. The Republican scorched-earth tactics have done and continue to do great damage to our democracy.
Tim spews:
Goldy deserves an enourmous kudo from all of us for his hard work and taking the time to beon John “Right Wing” Carlson’s radio show with the idiot Shark. He has a lot of patience. I can’t wait to hear him on the show today..but somehow I wouldn’t be surprised if Carlson didn’t call him….
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
Felix @ 63: EXACTLY right.
Hopefully, our voters will realize this and it will backfire on them.
Nindid spews:
The Democrats need to get out in public on this one and give a little wind to this slamdunk reality-based ruling. They never had a case and dragged our system through the mud anyway. Lets kick some winger ass on this one.
jcricket spews:
Every single thing that Bridges has said mirrors, exactly, what Goldy has been saying for months. Not just on one point here or there, but everything, from the theory of proportional deduction, the abilities of election officials to challenge voters, the burden of proof for the relevant RCWs, voter crediting, # of illegal votes vs. margin of error (meaningless), etc.
I’d like to hear Stefan eat a little crow on talk radio (but we know it will never happen).
Wingo Freakenzie spews:
Preshusss! Presshus!! AHHHHHH! Thief!!! Thieff!!
Pressshuuussss!!! AHHHHHh!!!!!!!
Nindid spews:
Ooooo… slamming on voter crediting now. Sorry uSP – ok, I’m NOT sorry.
Priscilla spews:
It’s official — Judge Bridges has ruled — PETITION DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE — it’s GOVERNOR Gregoire, and Rossey lossey!!! :D :D :D !!!
jcricket spews:
As the sub-head on the Seattle Times reads: “After knocking down, one by one, Republicans’ claims that Gregoire’s victory was due to errors, illegal votes or fraud, Bridges ruled the election should stand.”
Priscilla spews:
Eat shit, Republican trolls!!!
Wingo Freakenzie spews:
AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! The hippie Bridges!!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH
AHHHHHHHH!!!!! WE HATES IT FOREVERR!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jcricket spews:
Wow, that’s one subdued courtroom.
John spews:
DINO LOSSI! DINO LOSSI!
DINO LOSSI!!!!!!!
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
Kirby Wilbur is in denial. He’s getting on the judge’s case.
Is there ANY respect for the rule of law?
Priscilla spews:
KIRO 7 TV’s reporter called it “a very strong rejection” of the GOP’s election challenge. For you kiddies in the SP kindergarten that means “frivolous” and “without merit.”
Rick Schaut spews:
Three words:
“dismissed with prejudice.”
That’s only one step away from raising Rule 11 issues.
torridjoe spews:
As predicted, a complete and total victory for Gregoire. Rossi got bupkus, and in fact LOST votes.
Oh, that’s rich.
My favorite part is when he said to pick one number to represent the true count, would be “the ultimate act of judicial egotism and judicial activism.” Shades of Schiavo!
Priscilla spews:
Gee, is it over? Isn’t Judge Bridges going to impose Rule 11 sanctions on the petitioners for bringing a frivolous lawsuit? Vance, Rossi, and the GOP should reimburse the Dems for their legal costs! This case was abuse of process if there ever was one!
DamnageD spews:
Wooooo-hooooo!!!
Hey wingers!? (insert insert middle fingers here)
JDB spews:
You have to love when the Judge said that even if he were to allow proportional deduction, it would show that Ms. Gregoire would have received more votes.
Congratulations everyone, some times truth and justice prevails. Of course the name calling from the right has just started. I’m sure before the end of the day that Judge Bridges will be a commie, socialist, pinko who had it in for the GOP from day one. But I think this is the most important thing from his decision:
“There is no evidence that ballots were changed, the ballot box stuffed or that lawful votes were removed from either candidate’s ballot box,” Bridges said.
Mark spews:
TT @ 76 “Is there ANY respect for the rule of law?”
A Lefty alleging this? THAT is precious! Remember your comment the next time some activist liberal judge runs roughshod over it.
DamnageD spews:
…and threw it out to boot!!
talk about bitch slapping the repukes!
headless lucy spews:
One fool over at SP is talking about his right to “bare arms”….I hope Stefan is proud of himself if he incites some of his army of retards to violence.
John spews:
John Bridges you have my vote for Supreme Court.
Priscilla spews:
I can sum up the GOP’s case in one word: BULLSHIT
Mark spews:
TJ @ 79 “My favorite part is when he said… ‘the ultimate act of judicial egotism and judicial activism.'”
Well, with Bridges’ comment, at least you guys now have proof that the judge is not a Lefty.
Scott spews:
More HA HA HA HE HE HE HO HO HO!
Funny, we don’t hear from all the right wing trolls now? HE HE!
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
Mark@82
It’s the Republicans who say judges who rule against them are “activist” and should be watching out for retribution (from Delay).
They say only the judges agreeing them are upholding the law.
Kirby’s initial response shows this to be the case. Later on, he mitigated his comments…but his initial response was clearly his emotional, accurate thoughts. After that, it’s all radio show thinking…
Priscilla spews:
There goes BIAW’s $2 million down the toilet. (flushing sound in background) Mr. Cynical got a sore arm from cranking his washing machine for nothing. NOTHING! ha ha ha
Serves you right, C! When you work for the devil, you collect the devil’s wages!
Thomas Trainwinder spews:
Mr. Cynical………..where are you????????
DamnageD spews:
WOW, look at ’em fume over there!!!
Now they KNOW what it feels like!
And they called the Demos crybabies over the past two presidential losses? Imagine the river or snot and tears when they finally DO loose a presidential election?
Joey spews:
HAHA leave science up to Republicans! Maybe we should take note of this and let them do a little more in the scientific field. Do you righties realize what just happened, the judge called your case meritless, said your science was fake and proved Gregoire received less felon votes then your snake of a canidate. Thats right looks to me some half ass fixing was going down in Rossi country but not quite enough. So seems the rednecks and yuppies gotta go find something else to agree on as Rossi slithers under a rock over the slopes. BTW Cheney is in town if anyone is feeling lucky… i mean excited .
jsa on beacon hill spews:
Good news. Good news.
I notice almost none of our regular righties are posting this morning. Maybe they’re in mourning. Maybe they’ll be back in a few days to explain the law to us all.
(You shop a judge and jurdistiction to challenge the election and still lose. Time to call it a day methinks, but that won’t happen).
What is that smell this fine Monday morning. Could it be… freshly cut Astroturf?
John spews:
Oh Cynical! Oh Cynical! Oh Cynical!
What’s that about PINHEAD?
Stuck with the bitchwoire spews:
Yep he gave you exaclty what you wanted – CONGRATULATIONS!
However, he also gave the Republicans a step by step plan of how to proceed for the appeal.
Joey spews:
Right to arms? Jethros going for the Winchester! OHHH NOOOO! You know us Dems living in the inner city never pack heat.
John spews:
96
Look how they show their true colors with the misogyny.
Stuck with the bitchwoire spews:
Not misogyny sweet cheeks – I don’t hate all women- just THAT woman.
You do know what they say don’t you?
Conservative women want big strong men…
Liberal women want to BE big strong men.
Girlymen and manly women – and you wonder why we think the world is upside down.
Congratulations on your victory. You deserve thei right ot savor it.
headless lucy spews:
Actually, all politicians should be like DeLay. We could lobby them with direct cash-money bribes. Whoever came up with the most CASH( that’s the only rule) wins their case in court ,Congress…Whatever. I’ll bet Mark Twain would approve of my plan.
Donnageddon spews:
This is a great day for democracy.
Neo-cons, I would feel your pain, but I would much rather pour salt on your wounds and watch you oooze like the slugs you are.
HOOORAH FOR DEMOCRACY!
Donnageddon spews:
Eugenics/STOP/LIB PET etc. @ 99
“Conservative women want big strong men…
Liberal women want to BE big strong men.”
And you still claim not to be a misogynist? Do you know how incredibly stooopid you sound? Thank Gawd you are not in power, and that bastard Rossi is left to go back selling real estate.
Steve Zemke spews:
Ever wonder with all the money Republicans spent on this trial why they never made an effort to depose felons who voted and ask who they voted for if they were so certain their vote benefited Gregoire. It was really all an attempt to sway public opinion and it was much more effective for them to just say the felon vote benefited Gregoire without supplying any supporting examples like the Democrats did. This trial was no more than an attempt by Republicans to tar the Democrats and rouse the Republican base and taint the election by innuendo and false claims like “fraud” It was also clearly an effort to get further name recognition for Rossi for any future race he might run,
headless lucy spews:
And Rossi won’t get those broker fees either, because he lied about that.
Priscilla spews:
91
He’s probably at Dick Cheney’s fundraiser lunch in downtown Seattle.
Chee spews:
EARTH CALLING MR.CYNICAL. Maybe he is at Neverland looking for the BIG BINDER.
RUFUS spews:
You tell them Steve #104. I am with you all the way. Us you voted for Chris just need to keep our head up and keep on voting Democratic… all my friend do.
Rufus– Cell Block 8
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