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Anne Roberts, 70, shed tears after meeting First Lady Michelle Obama. Voting is important, she says, because it "keeps people honest."
Though excitement and emotion ran high, the occasion wasn't a political rally. Mrs. Obama was doing her part to promote early voting by casting her ballot at the Martin Luther King Community Center in Chicago.
Though excitement and emotion ran high, the occasion wasn't a political rally. Mrs. Obama was doing her part to promote early voting by casting her ballot at the Martin Luther King Community Center in Chicago.
In her hometown as part of a Midwestern campaign swing to assist the beleaguered Democratic Party, she implored citizens regardless of party affiliation to exercise their right to vote. However, her mere presence -- including taking pictures and conversing with voters, have some Republicans in an uproar. There has been a contentious debate on whether or not she violated Illinois election law by "electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place."
"Technical violation, perhaps. But what are mere technical violations of voting laws to the Obama administration!" said Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, a conservative, non-partisan, public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption.Mrs. Obama is a private citizen, and as such, has the same voting privileges and responsibility as everyone else. In our current political climate when the entire voting process has been questioned, and voter turnout can literally shape this country's future, it would be irresponsible for the First Lady of the United States not to cast her vote at the appropriate time and place.
"Even if her conversations didn't constitute electioneering, they almost certainly violated the broader Sec. 17-29 ban on engaging in 'any political discussion within any polling place,'" said Charlie Spies, an election attorney with Clark Hill, PLC.
This unfounded attack shows just how much some Republicans are intimidated by the "Obama Effect". It is not the fault of the Obama administration that citizens are excited about what they represent, and it shows the pettiness of those conservatives who will leach unto any and every reason to disparage the First Lady -- including, but not limited to where she takes her daughters on vacation, her wardrobe, her physique, her complexion, and last but not least, her right to vote.
It is imperative that voters -- especially those who are disenfranchised and historically discriminated against be encouraged to participate in this process. As Mrs. Obama said, It is important to "... get everyone out there voting. This one counts, as much as the other one."
***The First Lady was scheduled to continue campaigning in Colorado, Connecticut, New York, Washington State and California for House and Senate candidates. Over the weekend, she is to appear with the president in Ohio, the first time they've campaigned together since 2008.***
Comments: (17)
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By: Godzilla on 10/15/2010 6:46PM
Can't you just admit that she violated state laws here? This is a Harvard trained lawyer? Oh, I forgot, she became a lawyer because of AA. Did you give the whole story boyce? Can you tell us the part about her approaching voters, Republicans and Democrats, and telling them that her husband could really use these votes for the democrats? boyce, you have a real problem with leaving some very pertinent facts out in your stories. When it comes to the obamas especially. But, I suppose if you didn't leave out those pertinent facts, it wouldn't fit your agenda now would it?
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By: edujustice2005 on 10/16/2010 11:42AM
@ Godzilla; as an atty, The First Lady did not break the law, and all you racist ppl should mind your own business! She has the right to talk to voters as well as you and every voter. I talk to voters each time I vote and many others also. The Teapublicans and all the Obamas' hater is still upset b/c John and Sarah did not win the election and they will never win one. So, close your mouth and stop your fingers and take a nap all you racists SOBs!
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By: bob on 10/16/2010 12:09PM
edujustice2005 Read the law that oooozzzz posted and then wipe the egg off your face. You obviously are not a atty. You like the obamas because they are crooks and liars like you. Also put away your race card and you trump hate card, they don't apply here, only in your mind because you are a hater and a racist, of the truth!
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By: clevemc on 10/16/2010 2:22PM
Well I see Bill Schierer has chosen his Halloween disguise, "Godzilla", as wrong and hateful as usual! lol!!
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By: Victoria Hughes on 10/15/2010 6:58PM
Godzilla
Are you jealous First Lady Mrs Michelle Obama is a Princeton and Haevard graduate?
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By: elvira walker on 10/15/2010 7:53PM
Godzilla, a name most befitting. Full of hate and bitterness arn't you. You too could have gotten an education. All you had to do was go to school.Oh! and speaking of accountability, no one ever asked Bush for accountability. This word did not become popular until The Obamas got into office. You are a disgrace!!!!
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By: ooozzzzz on 10/15/2010 7:58PM
Here is the Illinois state rule in regards to voting:
"Illinois state law — Sec. 17-29 (a) — states: “No judge of election, pollwatcher, or other person shall, at any primary or election, do any electioneering or soliciting of votes or engage in any political discussion within any polling place, within 100 feet of any polling place.”
To read the entire law, open the link below:
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/ilstatutes/10/5/17/17-29
First Lady Michelle Obama, as a private citizenin this matter and no reflection on her position as First Lady, was wrong and in direct violation for imploring citizens regardless of party affiliation to exercise their right to vote and this has nothing to do with jealously, racism or being Black.
And as a licensed nonpracticing lawyer, she should have known that.
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By: poetrysez on 10/16/2010 5:23AM
Voting early is a great practice because there are a lot of people who can't get to the polling place on Election Day in time and they just say-the heck with it-and doesn't vote at all.
Also going to the polls early beats the crowds and it's great for special needs people as well.
Even though there is no presidential election in November-your vote is still very important and will help shape how things are done in this country for years to come!
And also you can pick up ballots for those who are unable to get to the polling place and they can fill it out and mail it back ( everyone's voice should be heard in November :}
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By: betty on 10/16/2010 3:43AM
MY GOODNESS REPUKS HAE JUST LOST THERE MIND WHEN IT COMES TO THESE TWO BLACK PEOPLE SOME WHITE PEOPLE WILL NEVER CHANGE WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT ANE KEEP MOVING ON WITH OR WITHOUT SOME WHITE PEOPLE KEEP MOVING ON MRS OBAMA AND MR OBAMA
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By: alie on 10/16/2010 4:52AM
Hello! regardless if she is a lawyer, are her advisors doing their job? in advising her about this? surely she should be surrounded by the best? on all technicalities?
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