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Mon. Aug 19, 2002

McKinney's Last Minute Tactics

McKinney’s Last Minute Tactics – First off, when I was watching 11Alive News tonight, they asked Billy McKinney (Cynthia’s father and a former state legislator) what he had to say about his daughter’s ”fudging” of Andrew Young’s endorsement.

Billy McKinney’s immediate reply, verbatim: ”That ain’t nothin’. Jews have bought everybody. Jews. J-E-W-S.” Yes, he spelled it out. But he didn’t spell out what that paranoid rant against Jews had to do with the question. Did he mean Andrew Young has been bought by Jews? It’s probably just a rote answer that slips out when a tough question calls for some misdirection. Like father, like daughter.

11Alive then played a recording of another phone call being received in many homes in North Dekalb (which is also reported at GoodbyeCynthia.com): "This is an official notice for Republican voters. It is a violation of state and federal law to attempt to vote in a Democratic primary without proper documentation. State and federal enforcement officials will be monitoring polling places closely tomorrow for violations of the law. Do not risk violating the law by trying to vote in a Democratic primary without the proper documents. Go to www.sos.state.ga.us for information about Georgia voting law."

This is a heinous distortion. In Georgia, when you walk in on Primary Day, you are asked if you want to vote in the Democratic or Republican primary. You may choose freely, either one. No documentation is required, other than that required for any voter: a picture ID to verify registration.

This recording is a lying scare tactic, designed to confuse voters, and cause them fear over placing the vote they prefer. It is Voter Intimidation, pure and simple.

11Alive emphasized the reality of the law, and the misleading nature of the recording. They also made the specific point that they gave both campaigns equal opportunity to speak on camera, and only Majette replied.

What a surprise.