Kos:TX-28: Results thread:already have voting irregularities

Webb County Last time (from Rodriguez campaign at the time):

An abnormally high number of voters in Webb County aged 90 years or older prompted an attorney for the Ciro Rodriguez congressional campaign to request an investigation by the Texas Secretary of State. During the first 4 days of early voting, 93 votes were cast by people 90 or over and 51 were 100 or older.

In a message addressed to Kim Thol, Programs Specialist for the Elections Division of the Secretary of State, Luis Vera requested “an immediate appointment for an inspector for Webb County.” Vera reminded Thol, “Webb County has a long history of allegations of voter fraud.” In the 2004 primary election, Vera added, “the fraud made national news.” He was referring to the controversial election between Henry Cuellar and Rodriguez in which ballots, “discovered” days after the polls closed, eventually swung the election to Cuellar by a narrow 58 votes.


Posted by: Bob Brigham


PS:

The Texas Secretary of State agreed to place an inspector in Webb County for the March 7 Democratic primary, although the Rodriguez campaign wanted someone on the scene now to monitor early voting.

In his plea to the state for help, Vera said, "Webb County has a long history of allegations of voter fraud."

Oscar Sanchez, campaign manger for Rodriguez, told the San Antonio Express-News, "It just seems like a very high number, especially the people over 100."

Colin Strother, spokesperson for the Cuellar campaign, said the claims are an act of desperation by Rodriguez, reported the San Antonio newspaper.

Strother said Laredo (the major city in Webb County) candidates traditionally stage events aimed at getting seniors to the polls on the first day of early voting.

Editor's Note: This would not be the first occasion in which citizens residing in South Texas cemeteries have been motivated to cast their ballots.

It is estimated there are 50,000 centenarians in the U.S. – about one of every 10,000 people. There are about 193,000 residents of Webb County, which would indicate a centenarian population of about 19.

268% early turnout by expectations of number of people over 100

http://www.swingstateproject.com/2006/03/tx28_the_return_1.php#comments