Latest legal action in Ohio - Cobb sues Blackwell over Ohio Recount

[Zeebo]

This was filed today:
----
Ohio — Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb today filed counterclaims in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Republican Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, asserting that Blackwell is stalling the Ohio recount and abusing his authority.

The Kerry-Edwards campaign also moved to intervene in the case in defense of Cobb and Badnarik's position
The counterclaims have been alleged in pending litigation in federal court which originated in Delaware County, Ohio, when that county's board of elections asked a local state court judge to stop the recount in Delaware County.

The state court judge issued a temporary restraining order attempting to prevent Cobb, Libertarian Michael Badnarik and their attorney's from seeking a recount of the presidential ballots cast in that county.

On Tuesday, Cobb asked a federal court to take jurisdiction in the case. The Kerry-Edwards campaign also moved to intervene in the case in defense of Cobb and Badnarik's position.

The suit filed today by Cobb, Badnarik and the National Voting Rights Institute alleges that Blackwell is abusing his discretionary authority and is, in effect, stalling. The suit asks that the recount begin immediately and be completed by the federally declared "safe harbor" date of December 7 and by December 13, when the presidential electors are scheduled to meet.

The suit also demands that Blackwell not declare the results of the election as official and final and that the presidential electors not be certified until the recount has been completed.

Link http://www.votecobb.org/press/2004/dec/pr2004-12-02.php

----

If we lose this legal battle, I can only hope that the recount will go on whether a change in the Ohio Electoral votes happen or not. I've been trying to research any legal provisions regarding if there is a chance the recount will not start or be stopped short (like 2000) if the Electoral College has already met. The timing of all this is very concerning.

[jamboi]

1. Go Cobb Go! n/t

[MsConduct]

2. Thanks for the encouraging news! n/t

[rodeodance]

3. wow another suit!

[Eloriel]

4. This man certainly has my respect

And so do his attorneys and other helpers.