Judge says Dems can seek more than just phone costs in jam case

[sabra]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2006/11/30/judge_says_dems_can_seek_more_than_just_phone_costs_in_jam_case/

Judge says Dems can seek more than just phone costs in jam case

MANCHESTER, N.H. --A judge has ruled New Hampshire Democrats can go after more than just the cost of renting and using telephones that were jammed by Republicans on Election Day four years ago.

Republicans wanted Judge Philip Mangones to rule the Democrats could only claim $4,974 in damages -- the cost of renting and using phones for the get-out-the-vote campaign. Democrats argued they should be able to go after more than $4 million in damages -- the cost of seven months of work for the get-out-the-vote effort.

That's nearly half of what Democrats spent on their effort, which was disrupted for nearly two hours the day it was supposed to pay off.

Mangones placed some limits on Democrats' claims.

He said Democrats can't include the entire cost of their seven-month-long, get-out-the-vote operation. The costs of "postage, signs, rent and other such expenditures that were not proximately (almost directly) impacted by the telephone system interference would generally not be recoverable," he ruled.

[MADem]

1. Oh, ah am a-likin' that judge, ah am!!!!!! That'll teach 'em that actions have consequences! NT

[Ezlivin]

2. Jam today and jam yesterday, but no jam tomorrow!

With apologies to the Queen.

[tridim]

3. Forget about the money, what about the people who did the crime?

Not just the little people (some of whom have already done time), but the powerful Republicans who actually came up with the scheme.

[MaineDem]

8. Most have been, are, or will be in jail

Jim Tobin, the main operative in this case, is out pending appeal. I still want to see how far up the food chain this goes, though. We know the White House political office was involved to some extent. It should come out in the trial.

[Judi Lynn]

4. The GOP needs to be slapped as hard as possible for this crime.

Any way at all they can be discouraged from doing it again would be appropriate.

The longer and louder this case can get, so much the better. The public needs to know how chronic and pervasive the GOP's reliance has been on crime to compensate for the weakness of their party.

[aquart]

5. Plus damages, dammit!

What are the incalculable losses involved in losing an election? Legislation not passed, important work undone?

This is NOT a victimless crime. If the will of the people has been perverted, then the work desired and needed by the American people will be undone. Americans will be hurt. The citizens of New Hampshire will be hurt.

Surely that is worth MORE than the bare financing of the efforts?

[Zan_of_Texas]

6. Well, they can afford to pay.

Talking Points Memo has been all over this NH phone jamming case, which has dragged on now for years.

I believe it was there that they said the top guy's defense (James Tobin, biggie New England coordinator for Republicans and Bush), paid for by the Republican National Committee, was running into the millions, I believe $6 million.

[Jackpine Radical]

7. Ain't it a bitch...$$ straight from the Puggies to the cursed trial lawyers!

The ignominy of it all.