Picking the Prez: Ron Paul surprise in Louisiana

[Paul4Prez]

From The Best of New Orleans (.com):

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2008-01-22/news_feat2.php


The biggest surprise to come out of Louisiana's GOP delegate process thus far involves Ron Paul, the Texas congressman mounting a quasi-libertarian campaign that has been defined by its grassroots organization. Dore says the Paul campaign dropped off a 'whole slate" of delegates about two weeks ago " a surprise showing that wasn't expected. If any controversy arises from the delegate process, it will be from Paul's camp. 'We're being watchful, though, because we want to make sure all of the delegates were registered Republicans before the Nov. 30 deadline," Dore says, adding there was a great deal of interest expressed by nonparty voters about switching to the GOP in support of Paul. 'We started contacting registrars of voters in 17 parishes yesterday about roughly 90 people, the vast majority of which were signed up for Ron Paul."

Good work Louisiana -- keep it up!

[torchbearer]

Update before the first vote is cast:

Ok, check out the delegates ballots here: http://www.lagop.com/

I was moved to alternate because we had 18 delegates and all we needed was 15.
In the alternates race in district 5, we have 15 ron paul alternate delegates on the ballot out of a total of 19 alternates.
Which means.. worse case scenario, we walk away with 11 Alternates in our district. 11 votes at the state convention.

We've already won 7 alternates in district 2, won unopposed. if only we could have filled all the delegate slots in district 2, but i think that is our worse district. people aren't very involved there.

We've already won 15 alternates in district 3. won unopposed.

We've already won 13 alternates in district 4. won unopposed.

For a total of 46 alternates already won before the voting even starts. (out of 95 alternates total) suppose to be 105 but 10 slots will not be filled because no one ran for them

[jsgolfman]

Nice work! Hardly anyone understands the delegate portion of all this. Most of the sheeple only think about the raw votes. Everyone chant brokered.

[ItsTime]

I am giddy about this. is that bad? lol

[rooteroa]

torch: So everyone is an alternate? no actual delegates? huh

[jenninlouisiana]

Those were just the ones who already won for RP because there was no competition. We'll vote for the rest tomorrow.

I didn't' click the link, so I don't know the date, but wanted to say: everyone is verified and legal. We played by their rules-- so saod for them.....

[torchbearer]

torch: So everyone is an alternate? no actual delegates? huh

like Jen said, I was just listing the delegates we already won before the first vote is cast. They just happen to be on the alternate delegate side.
We have a full slate in every district on the delegate side. Enough truck loads of republicans and we win 41 delegates for ron paul. easy sneezy.:cool:

[hueylong]

How do ya'll feel about the qualifications of our delegates? Were they Republicans before the deadline?

[torchbearer]

How do ya'll feel about the qualifications of our delegates? Were they Republicans before the deadline?

Yes. I was one of those "late comers" they had to check up on...
All delegates have now been confirmed....

[hueylong]

That is sweet, torchbearer.

[JustBcuz]

I didn't' click the link, so I don't know the date, but wanted to say: everyone is verified and legal. We played by their rules-- so saod for them.....

ROFLMMFAO

Wish I could be there to help watch your back tomorrow.

Do us proud Louisiana!!!

[torchbearer]

That is sweet, torchbearer.

In fact, my trip to the Registrar of Voter's Office was published on a blog:

http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/2008/01/funny-business-in-rapides-parish.html
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Funny_business_at_the_Rapides_parish_registrar_of_ voters


brent sanders writes:

Ok-

So I go the Registrar of Voters office to get certified proof that I switch to Republican before November 30th.

While waiting for the ladies to figure out what to do with my request...one of the higher ups came to the front counter and told me that people had called her about me to confirm I was registered prior to the 30th.

Then...this is when the weird part happens... I hear a lady speaking loudly from an office unseen in the back about Ron Paul... very loudly...

Then one of those people from the back come up and ask me if I was supporting Ron Paul... (in an office that has a huge sign that says no politics to be discussed)

I affirmed her question..so she asked me to follow her to the back office...
She escorts me to the head ladies office and introduces me as a Ron Paul supporter.

Head lady then asks "Why is Ron Paul on the Republican Ballot when he is a libertarian?"

I of course reply in a confused tone... "But ma'am, Ron Paul is a Republican, He's been in congress for 20 years as a Republican"

She rebuts, "But I've seen his billboards in town, they say he's a libertarian"

I refute, "No ma'am, those billboard say nothing about libertarian..(then I go on to describe in detail what the billboards do say)"

Then she continues... "But I saw yard signs on Albert Street that say that..."

which I could only explain to her.. "Um, those are my yard signs....and they don't say that"

*silence* no response handed notarized voter card.

Very weird. I've been harassed at the Voter Registrar's office, I've been harassed at my own polling place when I was running for congress...

I didn't get any of their names...but this is ridiculous... reminds me of memetics.

Wassup with that...? And why is my voter registrar's office spreading disinfo?

Brent

[AlbemarleNC0003]

How do the caucus voters know who the delegates support? I don't get this system.

[torchbearer]

How do the caucus voters know who the delegates support? I don't get this system.

When people arrive to the caucus.. I know for a fact, that they will see a Ron Paul booth, manned by really nice, smiley folks that will welcome them... sign them in... and give them a list of our delegates to vote for....

[inibo]

like Jen said, I was just listing the delegates we already won before the first vote is cast. They just happen to be on the alternate delegate side.
We have a full slate in every district on the delegate side. Enough truck loads of republicans and we win 41 delegates for ron paul. easy sneezy.:cool:

Keep workin' it. I'd dying to hear and agonized WTF? rising from the other camps.

[JustBcuz]

How do the caucus voters know who the delegates support? I don't get this system.

Don't sweat it.

You'll understand tomorrow night.
:D

[mmink15]

well done Louisiana

[AlbemarleNC0003]

Don't sweat it.

You'll understand tomorrow night.
:D

NC has some weird things going on too. We have delegates that come from each county. Can't even get my local GOP office to call me back to explain it to me.

[dsentell]

As an LSU grad, I consider Louisiana my second home . . .

. . . I am so proud of you all!!!!!!!!

[Doriath]

In fact, my trip to the Registrar of Voter's Office was published on a blog:

http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/2008/01/funny-business-in-rapides-parish.html
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Funny_business_at_the_Rapides_parish_registrar_of_ voters


brent sanders writes:

Ok-

So I go the Registrar of Voters office to get certified proof that I switch to Republican before November 30th.

While waiting for the ladies to figure out what to do with my request...one of the higher ups came to the front counter and told me that people had called her about me to confirm I was registered prior to the 30th.

Then...this is when the weird part happens... I hear a lady speaking loudly from an office unseen in the back about Ron Paul... very loudly...

Then one of those people from the back come up and ask me if I was supporting Ron Paul... (in an office that has a huge sign that says no politics to be discussed)

I affirmed her question..so she asked me to follow her to the back office...
She escorts me to the head ladies office and introduces me as a Ron Paul supporter.

Head lady then asks "Why is Ron Paul on the Republican Ballot when he is a libertarian?"

I of course reply in a confused tone... "But ma'am, Ron Paul is a Republican, He's been in congress for 20 years as a Republican"

She rebuts, "But I've seen his billboards in town, they say he's a libertarian"

I refute, "No ma'am, those billboard say nothing about libertarian..(then I go on to describe in detail what the billboards do say)"

Then she continues... "But I saw yard signs on Albert Street that say that..."

which I could only explain to her.. "Um, those are my yard signs....and they don't say that"

*silence* no response handed notarized voter card.

Very weird. I've been harassed at the Voter Registrar's office, I've been harassed at my own polling place when I was running for congress...

I didn't get any of their names...but this is ridiculous... reminds me of memetics.

Wassup with that...? And why is my voter registrar's office spreading disinfo?

Brent
I just laughed so hard beer shot out of my nose...ow, that hurts...:D

[rooteroa]

Great work Louisiana. Make us proud tomorrow.

[roXet]

In fact, my trip to the Registrar of Voter's Office was published on a blog:

http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/2008/01/funny-business-in-rapides-parish.html
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Funny_business_at_the_Rapides_parish_registrar_of_ voters


brent sanders writes:

Ok-

So I go the Registrar of Voters office to get certified proof that I switch to Republican before November 30th.

While waiting for the ladies to figure out what to do with my request...one of the higher ups came to the front counter and told me that people had called her about me to confirm I was registered prior to the 30th.

Then...this is when the weird part happens... I hear a lady speaking loudly from an office unseen in the back about Ron Paul... very loudly...

Then one of those people from the back come up and ask me if I was supporting Ron Paul... (in an office that has a huge sign that says no politics to be discussed)

I affirmed her question..so she asked me to follow her to the back office...
She escorts me to the head ladies office and introduces me as a Ron Paul supporter.

Head lady then asks "Why is Ron Paul on the Republican Ballot when he is a libertarian?"

I of course reply in a confused tone... "But ma'am, Ron Paul is a Republican, He's been in congress for 20 years as a Republican"

She rebuts, "But I've seen his billboards in town, they say he's a libertarian"

I refute, "No ma'am, those billboard say nothing about libertarian..(then I go on to describe in detail what the billboards do say)"

Then she continues... "But I saw yard signs on Albert Street that say that..."

which I could only explain to her.. "Um, those are my yard signs....and they don't say that"

*silence* no response handed notarized voter card.

Very weird. I've been harassed at the Voter Registrar's office, I've been harassed at my own polling place when I was running for congress...

I didn't get any of their names...but this is ridiculous... reminds me of memetics.

Wassup with that...? And why is my voter registrar's office spreading disinfo?

Brent

I wish I could say I am shocked to hear this, but after living in this state for 30 years I find it say to say I'm not surprised.

[Original_Intent]

I am embarrassed to ask but what is haoppening in Louisiana tomorrow? I thought the next primary was Florida on the 29th?

(five minutes spent googling later)

OK I read this site

http://www.lagop.com/

and it becomes a lot more clear....Holy CRAP if no one gets 50% or more on February 9th ALL of the delegates go to the state convention uncommitted!!!

HOLY CRAP! Now I see why the big deal about delegates!!!! Good job you guys!

[CountryboyRonPaul]

In fact, my trip to the Registrar of Voter's Office was published on a blog:

http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/2008/01/funny-business-in-rapides-parish.html
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Funny_business_at_the_Rapides_parish_registrar_of_ voters


brent sanders writes:

Ok-

So I go the Registrar of Voters office to get certified proof that I switch to Republican before November 30th.

While waiting for the ladies to figure out what to do with my request...one of the higher ups came to the front counter and told me that people had called her about me to confirm I was registered prior to the 30th.

Then...this is when the weird part happens... I hear a lady speaking loudly from an office unseen in the back about Ron Paul... very loudly...

Then one of those people from the back come up and ask me if I was supporting Ron Paul... (in an office that has a huge sign that says no politics to be discussed)

I affirmed her question..so she asked me to follow her to the back office...
She escorts me to the head ladies office and introduces me as a Ron Paul supporter.

Head lady then asks "Why is Ron Paul on the Republican Ballot when he is a libertarian?"

I of course reply in a confused tone... "But ma'am, Ron Paul is a Republican, He's been in congress for 20 years as a Republican"

She rebuts, "But I've seen his billboards in town, they say he's a libertarian"

I refute, "No ma'am, those billboard say nothing about libertarian..(then I go on to describe in detail what the billboards do say)"

Then she continues... "But I saw yard signs on Albert Street that say that..."

which I could only explain to her.. "Um, those are my yard signs....and they don't say that"

*silence* no response handed notarized voter card.

Very weird. I've been harassed at the Voter Registrar's office, I've been harassed at my own polling place when I was running for congress...

I didn't get any of their names...but this is ridiculous... reminds me of memetics.

Wassup with that...? And why is my voter registrar's office spreading disinfo?

Brent

haha, that's why I told them I'm a Huckabee supporter.

[torchbearer]

I am embarrassed to ask but what is haoppening in Louisiana tomorrow? I thought the next primary was Florida on the 29th?

(five minutes spent googling later)

OK I read this site

http://www.lagop.com/

and it becomes a lot more clear....Holy CRAP if no one gets 50% or more on February 9th ALL of the delegates go to the state convention uncommitted!!!

HOLY CRAP! Now I see why the big deal about delegates!!!! Good job you guys!

We is smart. ;)
Everyone needs to make sure they do what they need to do in their state for ron to win...

[Jae0]

Good luck everyone. And good job! :)

[carla8478]

I just laughed so hard beer shot out of my nose...ow, that hurts...:D

Man I heard drinking and driving was dangerous, but I guess so is drinking and reading. :p

[Carole]

Fabulous! Keep up the great work and come back and fill us in some more. :)

[Carole]

Happy, happy, joy, joy!! :D

[Carole]

Is it not online? Maybe under ncgop? Try to find it online if you have not already. :eek:

[Carole]

I am looking forward to tomorrow. :)

[Fields]

I am embarrassed to ask but what is haoppening in Louisiana tomorrow? I thought the next primary was Florida on the 29th?

(five minutes spent googling later)

OK I read this site

http://www.lagop.com/

and it becomes a lot more clear....Holy CRAP if no one gets 50% or more on February 9th ALL of the delegates go to the state convention uncommitted!!!

HOLY CRAP! Now I see why the big deal about delegates!!!! Good job you guys!

Hahahah, I'm in your boat, I had no idea there was anything going on but Florida. :o

[Mithridates]

So what time can we expect to start seeing the results? Nevada kept me from sleeping as the results started coming in around 3:30 am where I live (Korea) which is right around when I usually sleep. I need to plan my sleeping schedule around these events as the results usually come in early morning over here.

[yankee_blue]

So what time can we expect to start seeing the results? Nevada kept me from sleeping as the results started coming in around 3:30 am where I live (Korea) which is right around when I usually sleep. I need to plan my sleeping schedule around these events as the results usually come in early morning over here.

Caucus runs from 5pm to 8pm CST. The ballots are paper so everything must be hand counted. I would assume they would be done around 10p CST?

[Mithridates]

Caucus runs from 5pm to 8pm CST. The ballots are paper so everything must be hand counted. I would assume they would be done around 10p CST?

Okay, that's 1 pm here so I can sleep in. Thanks!

[torchbearer]

In fact, my trip to the Registrar of Voter's Office was published on a blog:

http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/2008/01/funny-business-in-rapides-parish.html
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Funny_business_at_the_Rapides_parish_registrar_of_ voters


brent sanders writes:

Ok-

So I go the Registrar of Voters office to get certified proof that I switch to Republican before November 30th.

While waiting for the ladies to figure out what to do with my request...one of the higher ups came to the front counter and told me that people had called her about me to confirm I was registered prior to the 30th.

Then...this is when the weird part happens... I hear a lady speaking loudly from an office unseen in the back about Ron Paul... very loudly...

Then one of those people from the back come up and ask me if I was supporting Ron Paul... (in an office that has a huge sign that says no politics to be discussed)

I affirmed her question..so she asked me to follow her to the back office...
She escorts me to the head ladies office and introduces me as a Ron Paul supporter.

Head lady then asks "Why is Ron Paul on the Republican Ballot when he is a libertarian?"

I of course reply in a confused tone... "But ma'am, Ron Paul is a Republican, He's been in congress for 20 years as a Republican"

She rebuts, "But I've seen his billboards in town, they say he's a libertarian"

I refute, "No ma'am, those billboard say nothing about libertarian..(then I go on to describe in detail what the billboards do say)"

Then she continues... "But I saw yard signs on Albert Street that say that..."

which I could only explain to her.. "Um, those are my yard signs....and they don't say that"

*silence* no response handed notarized voter card.

Very weird. I've been harassed at the Voter Registrar's office, I've been harassed at my own polling place when I was running for congress...

I didn't get any of their names...but this is ridiculous... reminds me of memetics.

Wassup with that...? And why is my voter registrar's office spreading disinfo?

Brent


I got this info from the owner of "wesawthat" blog:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2212057129_f99ee6fe8a_o.jpg

Apparently someone from their office got wind of the letter and went to check it out themselves.

[jenninlouisiana]

Maybe we ought to tell them that Beth Levy, an elections commissioner, has been e-mailing and asking people in person who they are supporting so she can "get an idea" of what's going on.

Seems unethical to me.....

[torchbearer]

Maybe we ought to tell them that Beth Levy, an elections commissioner, has been e-mailing and asking people in person who they are supporting so she can "get an idea" of what's going on.

Seems unethical to me.....

Doesn't surprise me that Beth is doing that... she is one nosey woman. You have to watch what you say around her.

[jenninlouisiana]

I just found out McCain has a full slate in district 6 for delegates and 10 alternates. (This is the baton rouge area)...

[Melissa]

I just found out McCain has a full slate in district 6 for delegates and 10 alternates. (This is the baton rouge area)...

will this hurt us very much or is this real bad

[jenninlouisiana]

It just means we have to get more votes than they do. In Baton rouge... you just can't speculate.

[torchbearer]

will this hurt us very much or is this real bad

That info means at at worse... McCain wins 3 national delegates in that district.
I don't know many McCain supporters in my area.. I know a couple of Huck supporters.

[Melissa]

so might hurt but not cripple is that correct?

[Sarge]

Does anyone have any feedback on number of Fred Thompson alternates and delegates?

[jenninlouisiana]

No, but one Fred Thompson delegate had e-mailed me about a week ago and said Ron Paul was his second choice. I don't know what district he's in, though... and it sort of doesn't matter since we have a full slate in every district.

[Ethek]

Nice work! Hardly anyone understands the delegate portion of all this. Most of the sheeple only think about the raw votes. Everyone chant brokered.

We still need a winning majority of the vote in 5 states for the convention I think. Hope we get it.

[hueylong]

While it's important to file a full slate of delegates, the issue is which delegates get voted for so that they get to go to the State Convention.

Buddy Roemer lined up McCain's delegate slate around the State. Mostly fairly prominent Republican officeholders and businesspeople.

Hopefully, the RP supporters were able to hand out enough of the lists of the RP slate so that our people would know which delegates to vote for.

[JustBcuz]

While it's important to file a full slate of delegates, the issue is which delegates get voted for so that they get to go to the State Convention.

Buddy Roemer lined up McCain's delegate slate around the State. Mostly fairly prominent Republican officeholders and businesspeople.

Hopefully, the RP supporters were able to hand out enough of the lists of the RP slate so that our people would know which delegates to vote for.

You think this Roemer guy's crew was able to turn out enough people out to steal those 3 delegates from us? I know they put this together pretty late in the game.

[hueylong]

I don't know about "those 3 delegates". Roemer is a former Governor of Louisiana. The McCain delegates I saw on the list for District 7 were all fairly well known types.

My guess, and I could be wrong -- is that the Ron Paul delegates are mostly regular folks who aren't well known.

My point was, I hope our people were able to make sure that voters coming to the Caucus knew who the Ron Paul delegates were to vote for.

My guess is that Roemer's group focused less on turnout, and more on having a well known slate of delegates.

If our people did their job (which is looks like they did - in spades) -- we should do well.

[rob-NC]

NC has some weird things going on too. We have delegates that come from each county. Can't even get my local GOP office to call me back to explain it to me.

I hear that! Im just over from you in Wayne Co.

[JustBcuz]

I don't know about "those 3 delegates". Roemer is a former Governor of Louisiana. The McCain delegates I saw on the list for District 7 were all fairly well known types.

My guess, and I could be wrong -- is that the Ron Paul delegates are mostly regular folks who aren't well known.

My point was, I hope our people were able to make sure that voters coming to the Caucus knew who the Ron Paul delegates were to vote for.

My guess is that Roemer's group focused less on turnout, and more on having a well known slate of delegates.

If our people did their job (which is looks like they did - in spades) -- we should do well.

Cool, thanks for the update. The name Roemer sounded familiar, though I had no recollection of who he was.

Knowing these guys are Party big-wig types, I know they're all going to call their friends and family and co-workers and 'golf buddies'....you know what I'm saying ;)

Not a huge number, but it could be fairly substantial if the word gets out quick enough.

Hope their plan bites 'em in the ass. Just like their rules are biting 'em in the ass right now.

[fmontez]

Nice work! Hardly anyone understands the delegate portion of all this. Most of the sheeple only think about the raw votes. Everyone chant brokered.

Delegates are critical, but the votes also are, as they generate huge amounts of cash. Not all States work the same way, but so far it looks like LA could be Dr. Paul's biggest delegate victory, even if he doesnt' take the popular vote.

Don't count on a brokered convention though... it is unlikely, we need to win delegates and States... Super Tuesday is going to be a big day... we shall see.

[wfd40]

I am embarrassed to ask but what is haoppening in Louisiana tomorrow? I thought the next primary was Florida on the 29th?

(five minutes spent googling later)

OK I read this site

http://www.lagop.com/

and it becomes a lot more clear....Holy CRAP if no one gets 50% or more on February 9th ALL of the delegates go to the state convention uncommitted!!!

HOLY CRAP! Now I see why the big deal about delegates!!!! Good job you guys!

what does this mean!? How many of the 'uncommitted' did Dr. Paul pick up???

[hueylong]

We don't know yet. By the end of the night, we should hear from our people how many of the 105 delegates to the State convention are Paulites...

[Shii]

what does this mean!? How many of the 'uncommitted' did Dr. Paul pick up???
Wait a couple of hours and we'll know, but based on the results on page 1 this is looking like a BIG win. Bigger than Nevada.

[hueylong]

This will tell us how many of the delegates to the state convention are "our" people... ultimately, it could translate to a share of about half of the delegates to the national convention...

[yankee_blue]

This will tell us how many of the delegates to the state convention are "our" people... ultimately, it could translate to a share of about half of the delegates to the national convention...

or more.

[RonPaulFTW08]

In fact, my trip to the Registrar of Voter's Office was published on a blog:

http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/2008/01/funny-business-in-rapides-parish.html
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Funny_business_at_the_Rapides_parish_registrar_of_ voters


brent sanders writes:

Ok-

So I go the Registrar of Voters office to get certified proof that I switch to Republican before November 30th.

While waiting for the ladies to figure out what to do with my request...one of the higher ups came to the front counter and told me that people had called her about me to confirm I was registered prior to the 30th.

Then...this is when the weird part happens... I hear a lady speaking loudly from an office unseen in the back about Ron Paul... very loudly...

Then one of those people from the back come up and ask me if I was supporting Ron Paul... (in an office that has a huge sign that says no politics to be discussed)

I affirmed her question..so she asked me to follow her to the back office...
She escorts me to the head ladies office and introduces me as a Ron Paul supporter.

Head lady then asks "Why is Ron Paul on the Republican Ballot when he is a libertarian?"

I of course reply in a confused tone... "But ma'am, Ron Paul is a Republican, He's been in congress for 20 years as a Republican"

She rebuts, "But I've seen his billboards in town, they say he's a libertarian"

I refute, "No ma'am, those billboard say nothing about libertarian..(then I go on to describe in detail what the billboards do say)"

Then she continues... "But I saw yard signs on Albert Street that say that..."

which I could only explain to her.. "Um, those are my yard signs....and they don't say that"

*silence* no response handed notarized voter card.

Very weird. I've been harassed at the Voter Registrar's office, I've been harassed at my own polling place when I was running for congress...

I didn't get any of their names...but this is ridiculous... reminds me of memetics.

Wassup with that...? And why is my voter registrar's office spreading disinfo?

Brent

I think a lot of people get totally freaked out when they hear about Ron Paul for the first time and probably the word libertarian freaks them out too. A year ago if you mentioned someone was a libertarian to me my first reaction would to think that they are just some hick.

Anyways no sense getting mad at her, she'll understand in time that Ron Paul is the most sane guy out of the whole bunch running for presidency. And that the ideas he have are actually good.

But yeah I am out here in CA and changed my party affiliation back in early Dec. I got a proof of registration back that said I was REP... but when my vote by mail ballot came, it was a non-partisan one. I called them last week and they said I'd get the right one by Friday - never got it. So I came in today and they gave me the right ballot... they were nice about it tho =) But one thing that's not fair about CA is that you don't have to be registered DEM to vote for DEM but you do have to be registered REP to vote for REP... *shrugs*