Voter Intimidation In Webb County Sheriff’s Race
[X-posted from Texas Kaos]
We all know that voter intimidation is a reality when it comes to political machines and the Rio Grande Valley.Tactics currently being used in Laredo, however, seem to have stooped to new lows. Via Pro8News (note: this is a cached page; we’re waiting on the video):
Tonight we bring you footage rarely seen where some supporters vying for the elderly vote are caught red handed.[...]
The man behind the camera is Rene Cervantes, a private investigator who got a tip that this was happening in a senior community.
(CERVANTES) “So when I went they took some video and I was outside the facilities. There were two candidate assistants or helpers that were talking to the elderly people.”
(REPORTER) Rene Cervantes asked Jose Gonzales if they’re taking him to vote. Then he replies, ‘yes sir.’
Cervantes then asks ‘by who?’”
The elderly man points at the lady beside him. She then tells the man to keep walking, and not to say anything.
After Cervantes insists the elderly man tell him if they are telling him to vote for a certain candidate.
LE ESTAN DICIENDO POR QUIEN VOTE?
LADY SHOUTING: NO LE CONTESTE NADA,
CERVANTES: LE ESTAN DICIENDO POR QUIEN VOTE SENOR, EN SERIO LE ESTAN DICIENDO POR QUIEN VOTE. NO POS NO MAS DICEN QUE TENGO QUE VOTAR
CERVANTES: Mr. Gonzales says ‘well, they’re telling me that I have to vote.’
He reaches [for] the sample ballot and when he was trying to reach the sample ballot you can see the lady that works for Rick Flores that took it away from his hands.
Rick Flores happens to be the incumbent Sheriff of Webb County, who is in a runoff against Martin Cuellar, who is Congressman Henry Cuellar’s brother.
So the poor man couldn’t even tell me who they told him who to vote for. My concern is that our senior citizens need to be protected. Providing transportation to and from poll sites isn’t illegal. The practice in question is whether candidates are influencing the vote. Which in Texas, it is against the law to do so. According to the Texas Penal Code [section] 36.03, coercion of a public servant or voter is a crime punishable by fines and jail time.
One Laredo blogger has made note of this story, and notes that the video shown by Pro8 News Monday night showed clearly that the woman was wearing a Rick Flores button.
We expect to receive the video late tonight or early in the morning, and will post it as soon as we have it.
Popularity: 49% [?]
Do you know that you can 
(On Apr 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am)