Reply #50: It was very strange that when Georgia went to the new machines [View All]

[DemBones DemBones]

across the state in 2002 we lost a Democratic governor, a Democratic senator, and at least two representatives who had dared to cross Bush** -- and one of them was the ultra-conservative Republican Bob Barr.

The moderate Dem senator who was defeated was Max Cleland, who, as I think everyone knows, lost both legs and one arm in Viet Nam. Southerners in general have always had a lot of respect for the military and for veterans. And incumbents always have an advantage unless they've done something really bad, and sometimes even then.

The polls showed Senator Cleland winning. The polls showed Governor Barnes winning. Sonny Perdue (R) was quite surprised to find himself the new governor.

Turnout was high, which always helps Dems. Yet Dems "lost."

Or did they? When you can't have recounts, no one will ever know. When people can cheat, they often will cheat, whether they're Dems or GOPs.

I say we should go back to paper ballots, hand-counted. It worked well enough for over 200 years.