WASHINGTON (CNN) - A Pennsylvania judge rejected state Republican party demands to obtain lists of voters registered by the community group known as ACORN.
The state GOP accuses ACORN of widespread fraud in helping register some 140,000 voters in Pennsylvania.
ACORN welcomed the ruling against the Pennsylvania state Republican party, spokeswoman Ali Kronley told CNN Friday, turning the GOP charges back against the party.
"This kind of manufactured crisis is masking their own efforts to keep voters from voting," she said.
The top lawyer representing the Pennsylvania Republicans said they were "disappointed."
But, Heather Heidelbaugh added, the wording of the court order indicates the judge thinks ACORN has problems.
The judge said he would favor "expedited discovery" should someone want to pursue "evidence that in Pennsylvania practices of ACORN Outreach Workers can encourage duplicate voter registration."
The case hinges on allegations that ACORN canvassers are not trained properly, leading to improper voter registrations.
Anita Moncreif, a former ACORN worker, testified Wednesday, describing what she considered a pattern of inadequate training of canvassers, who then were left to face prosecution for bogus registrations.
Moncreif once worked at ACORN's national offices in Washington, DC, but on cross-examination, she acknowledged she had no direct knowledge of ACORN's activities in Pennsylvania.
The judge, Robert Simpson, said the Pennsylvania Republicans failed to convince him of the need for a preliminary injunction that would have required immediate action in the final days before the election.
A top state elections official was critical of the GOP's lawsuit, and issued a statement applauding the judge for refusing to step in.
"The claims were a frivolous attempt to undermine voter confidence in the upcoming election," wrote Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro Cortis, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.
Pennsylvania officials dispute whether the court should be involved.
State elections attorney Albert Masland told CNN during a break in the hearing Wednesday that "there have been a couple of district attorneys in the Commonwealth who have filed charges against people for fraud. That shows the system is working."
"Beyond that," he added, "I think this is really more sound and fury and a whole lot less substance."
ACORN stands for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.
From CNN Politics
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Pennsylvania stays blue!!
I live in New York does this mean I can still vote in Pennsylvania or Ohio
Quick call Joe "the plumber", McCain's campaign just went down the toilet.
They do have problems, but Jim Crow is over there will be no Tolerance of Voter Supression by any party Demcratic or Replublican.
The fix is in. Fraud on a national level beginning with the media. We will never be able to trust the media again, except for the National Inquirer (who was the only paper to break real stories in this election cycle).
I meant Democratic or Republican
Good !
Who in the hell cares who is registered. It is when they show up to vote that really matters. If I see Mickey Mouse in line in front of me I'll grab him by the tail and stop him.
Good........................
Now get to the polls and vote.
Another loss for the Republicans! The Republicans have tried everything to purge names, prevent people from voting. Everyday there is another lawsuit! Thank GOD that the courts are still for JUSTICE!
FYI Republicans: Americans reject your vile politics! You,folks, need to rethink your stance, your anything-goes-campaigns!
From the Cold War through today Republicans are still trying to SCARE America into voting for them!
SURPRISE......SURPRISE We, the People, are fed up!
Again, the Republicans have been defeated in their attempt at voter suppression. It may have guaranteed them victory in the past, but, not this time. They are being slammed in their every attampt to violate our voter rights laws.
Not this time. Repugs!
Seems to me that the mud slinging is past it prime. This kind to thing happens in junior high elections. Everyone should have the right to vote, except for mickey mouse and bullwinkle! But seriously, Everyone should have the right to vote, and vote once. Why are we trying to take away the rights of US citizens? Its time to stand up , make your vote count,and make a difference. No matter your choice, VOTE!!!!! No whining, or weeping because your guy doest win, if you dont vote.
whatever!!!!!
I will help them at the polls. The minute Mickey Mouse shows up to
vote, me and a couple of buddies will immediately wrestle him to the
ground and hold him until the authorities are alerted.
Does that make the Republicans feel any better?
Democrats 08.
Not this time, Repugs!
Sounds like the judicial system does not in any way want to get involved in even an appearance of denying people the right to vote considering 2000.
The system works to guard against such silly charges. How about the person who registered voters for McCain that was convicted???? That is the second person from a company that McCain campaigned used that was convicted. Why do you think the McCain campaign wants the spotlight on ACORN when they are the ones with dirt on their hands?
Typical – GOP will try anything and everything to steal another election.
Want to see another "tea party"? Just let them steal this one. We'll ALL rebel. It won't be pretty.
Voted early for Obama/Biden
This is what is going to happens in the united states of obama. Reporters cast away , tv stations order to turn off, web pages remove. we might have only one tv channel the obama channel.? His past actions let me believe that this country is going to be turn to a socialist system against our will.
I don't understand this whole thing – while living in the Us – I had a resident address – I have a drivers license – they (?) issued me a voters registration – it was checked against a list at the precinct I was to vote and that I did. What is so hard to do that?
Regardless – I think that Ms. Palin did a lot of harm the Sen. McCain. He should have gotten a VP nomination who knows what is going on and did not have to read and not understanding what she was reading. Tell her and TODD to go home if they still want her in Alaska.
Once again, I'll mention the voter fraud here in Oregon in 2004. In that case, the Republicans were paying people to register voters and then tossing all the Democratic registrations out. Blatant attempt to undermine the process. This year's Acorn thing is just a bunch of slackers abusing a system.
GOP is fraud. They can look inward into their party and on what platform and core message the GOP candidates are building upon. It is a shame. They don't need to go to a court of law. It is rather ironic that a party that proclaims morality and ethics has neither of it, but shamelessly invokes God on every opportunity.
GOP is a party even God can not save. But sometimes, the men and women who adorn the court have to dispose them.
Obama tax plan ? From 250,000 to 200,000 Biden say 150,000 and now the New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson say 120,000? and obama is not in power yet . Wen he does don’t know how low will it go? Maybe under 42,000. Well at least the people that don’t pay taxes are going to be happy. I will do my best to keep my taxes low .I will vote for McCain.
My understanding is that Acorn empl;yees in the field are compensated according to the number of registratioins they obtain. That Someone hasn't recognised the potential for abuse is alarming.
That is voter fraud and everyone knows it; amazing that people just want to look the other way.
Sad day in America!
The Republicans have again been defeated in their repeated attempts to violate the voter rights laws.
Never, never again, Repugs!
Looks like the republicans are trying their best to rig this election
Don't worry, Bush has mobilized the Dept of Justice to cull the vote. These nutty accusations were all just an effort to justify sending DOJ neocons to voting centers to kick black people out for not putting their middle initial on their voter registration or accidentally typing the wrong apartment number. The cheaters are counting on a November Suprise this time.
Finally, cheating to win has become a problem for the Republicans. Perhaps someday, true conservatives will take their party back from the liars.
GOP is going down in flames. The group is going out and is still trying these ill advised tactics.
GOP, the people will not stand for this anymore.
You will not kill the voice of the people.
You will now lose in disgrace.
By McCain....hello OBAMA!!
Well done. Enough with the voter suppression Attempts by these Repugnicans. Enough with these stole elections. It's so ironic that these repugs like to point fingers at leaders like Robert Mugabe for trying to steal elections yet they are no better..no different
The old white wealthy men never wanted women or blacks to be able to vote.
TOO BAD old white wealthy guys !!
Obama/Biden
well said. ACORN is smoke and mirrors to deter people from not focusing on republicans trying to disenfranchise and supress the vote. not going to work this time.
wAHH wAHH!! Elite Liberal Media wAHH wAHH wAHH!! ACORN/Poor people voting fraud wAHH wAHH wAHH!! Obama break promise, too much money wAHH wAHH wAHH!! He no do Townhall meetings wAHH wAHH wAHH!! Obama media are sexist wAHH wAHH wAHH!! BillAyers/Jerimiah Wright wAHH wAHH wAHH!! You pick on Joe the Plumber wAHH wAHH wAHH!!!
This is what I'm talking about, justice after all, The ones who are trying to disinfrancise voters should be locked up. Everything the Repulicans are trying to do seems to blow up in their faces. No, not this time.
Goodie goodie. More bad news for liars McGimmick and Mincemeat Sarah.
Obama/Biden '08
This is exactly why the republicans should not have insulted community organizers. Serves them right for being so rude.
Obama 08. YES WE CAN!
I am one of the young voters that is procrastinating, but don't worry, i will make it to the polls on nov 4th.
Republicans are such hypocrites! First they steal the election in 2000, then they vote for the legislation that requires photo ID to vote, knowing full well that a lot of poor people (most Democrats) who don't have driver's licenses will be discouraged from voting. Now they're claiming ACORN and the Democrats are cheating?
Give me a freaking break. In the first place, ACORN has been totally upfront about the problems with some earlier registration forms. There are crooks in every endeavor – the Republicans have had more than their share.
The GOP is just planning on their next move once McCain loses. They plan to challenge the election results and say the vote was rigged. Next stop: the Supreme Court!
ACORN may have issues with the way they acquire new registered voters, but they are following the law where all registration forms (even the Mickey Mouse ones) are required to be submitted to a third party for verification. If there is registration fraud it will be with the third party that approves the registrations not ACORN. Besides, Voter fraud would only occur during the voting phase and there are supposed to be Federal checks, balances, and laws that are responsible to verify the voter is valid.
I think that the GOP presumes that the people registration by ACORN would not vote for McCain so they are doing whatever they can to make these registration invalid.
Shamefull really, considering that only a small fraction of the population actually votes in these elections.
Doesn't it make anyone else nearvous how the republicans keep trying to keep the people from voting, or having there votes count. Why do they keep trying to supress the vote? I can't wait for this election to be over with, and Obama wins. I don't trust the GOP they have shown they will do whatever it takes to win (at all costs) its scary.
vote for mccain then... you deserve all the pain you are going to get if he wins!
Is there a state where Republicans are not trying to keep people from voting?
TAINOPOWER
you will not have to worry about paying taxes because you won't have a job or a home if you vote for McCain.
Do the Republicans even know when to quit? They have challeneged ACORN's registrarion almost in every state and have been denied. They just can't quit until they find ways to steal this election.
OBAMA FUNDED ACORN OVER 800,000 AND NOW DENIES ANY RELATIONSHIP WITH ACORN...BUT THE MEDIA IS SO MUCH ON HIS SIDE THAT THEY WON'T TACKLE THIS AND ACORN WON'T PRODUCE...THERE IS SO MUCH FRAUD IN THIS ELECTION AND BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IS ON TOP OF THE FRAUDELENT LIST.
McCain and Palin are not good for America. They are mean, evil, and devisive. They bring out the worst in people instead of appealing to what is good in all of us.
Fortunately for America, it appears the GOP will not be able to steal the election this year.
Nice try Republi-Rats!...... move on to your next plan of attack and intimidation.......
Wow, how 'bout that. An independent Judiciary.
I agree that ACORN needs to do a much better job of hiring and training, but since they, BY LAW, have to submit every regestration form turned in, it would be voter suppression if they weeded out the bad forms.
People caught should be prosecuted for regestration fraud.
People caught intimidating voters need to be prosecuted too.
Let's let the PEOPLE decide this election.
They just wanted the lists so they could retaliate against registered Dems.
so every fictional character is able to vote for nobama now?
TAINOPOWER October 31st, 2008 4:26 pm ET
Obama tax plan ? From 250,000 to 200,000 Biden say 150,000 and now the New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson say 120,000? and obama is not in power yet . Wen he does don’t know how low will it go? Maybe under 42,000. Well at least the people that don’t pay taxes are going to be happy. I will do my best to keep my taxes low .I will vote for McCain.
--------------------–
Read Obama's tax plan stupid.
Tainopower...what does your comment have to do with the article. You are just spewing the same script that many republicans have been using. Any original thoughts on your part?
Sure vote agaist your self interest. If You want the facts on Obama's tax plan, so to his web site. It has never changed; It stands at $250K and every comment on the subject is technical consistent with what is on his WEB site.
The Republicans bank on the stupidity of the American people and you are eating it up.
Tainopower, are you a billionaire? Well that is when you will get a tax break....LOL
Obama/Biden08/12
I know that the Republicans do not care about individual or local government finances. They really do just care about the largest, multi-national corporations and their fat-cat CEOs. But these lawsuits the GOP keeps lodging, which may get duplicate or fraudulent REGISTRATIONS thrown out, may also get legitimate registrations thrown out (the GOP's ultimate goal) and thus prevent voters from exercising their right to choose our next President. In addition, this is costing ACORN, the community groups who fund them, and the counties/states/towns a lot of money and time in court costs and legal fees. Give it up GOP, try to do something honest in the short time you have left!
I've been a regostered republican for over 40 years and live in AZ. This year it is Obama/Biden!!! Besides McCain's age and his choice of Palin being a very poor judgement call, I have been receiveing robo calls from the rep party for the last 2 days. Disgusting, viel messages!!! The republicans have become the party of only the skinheads, radical right wingers and ultra rich lobbiests. We so desperately need a change in Washington!!! A BIG Change and the republican party really needs to take a look at itself!!! It has become shameful and disgusting!!!
God Bless Obama/Biden
Republicans lie lie and more lie cant those people ever be Honest ? What a Shame the Republican party has become no wonder so many of them are leaving the party
@ "Blue in Red AZ"
They already have moved to the next plan. The Department of Justice will be monitoring voting centers in key swing states in an effort to get rid of Dem votes.
Are there laws on the books for false registration or just voter fraud?
YES!!!!!
i am so sick of these republicans trying to set precendent.
thank good ness for smart judges and our rights!!!
Hey, Tainopower.
I've read your past comments, and you certainly fall in the category as a low-information idiot who is allowed to vote. How sad!
Why is it every time Republicans are thwarted in their attempt to shut down votes they claim the investigation somehow vindicates them somewhere in the fine print? What a bunch of whackos 1
WOW! I feel like Obama has been vindicated. For weeks FOX news and others have been hammering daily that Obama and ACORN is commiting voter fraud eventhough no one (Mickey Mouse) has voted. They should be more then disappointed; they should be ASHAMED for trying to scam the American people.
VOTE OBAMA...................SEND THE REPUBLICANS A LOUD MESSAGE.
This is just a taste of what life will be like under Obama, Pelosi, and Reid in the Socialist Republic of America. Goodbye to freedom and hello to government control of everyday life and what you have we will TAX.
Pennslyvanians please get out and VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
for OBAMA/BIDEN for the CHANGE AMERICA NEEDS!
Just like other Third World countries- votes only count if you vote for who you are told to vote for!
Power will not release its grip without a fight. The Republicans are all about themselves and less about America. Always have been during my 54 years. How could I have been so stupid to have supported them since 1972.
That changed this year. My vote has been cast for Obama/Biden 08.
TAINOPOWER, Give it up. Its over. Don't you get it. The republican party is history and so is McCain and Palin. McCain just doesn't have what it takes to be a president and for dang sure, Palin isn't even closely qualifies to even be a Lemonaide Stand manager let alone the VP of the USA. The day he announced her as his VP pick, I was laughing so loud I woke up my wife and that says something.
Sorry, Republicans. Your manipulation tactics are not working.
Please just be righteous and rely solely on your candidates platforms...oopss....you probably need to think of some more tactics!
Now what's next for the GOP? I'm sure they have alot of shady tricks up their sleeves. Sorry, it won't work though losers. You latte sipping right wingers better update your resume because you guys are getting voted out.
OBAMA/BIDEN/WARNER 08
This time our democratic leaders are urging us to fight back against the republican voter surpression tactics I'm sure McCain was relying on. Come Sunday morning he will find the only option left for him and his corrupt republican party are law suits and democratic lawyers are lining up to go to the battle field.
NOT THIS TIME
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
an ACORN falls and all the republican chickens are crying the sky is falling so they can sell umbrellas.
Looks like justice just lost another state for the McCain camp. Wait to go justice!
Reptilicans LOSE again!
Nice try TAINOPOWER.... did you pick up that argument from a McCain/Palin rally?
If you really are silly enough to vote for a 72 year old man who has been in Washington for 26 years and supported the current Bush economic policy and plans to continue it... well, you get what you deserve.
I have an idea... how about all these McCain supporters who bash Obama and his tax plan go ahead and sign a waiver now that states 'I opt out of benefiting from Obama's tax plan, because I don't like Obama or the plan and I think he will raise taxes, because McCain/Palin said so'.
Peggy the fact is regardless of the amount you don't have $250,000 or $200,000 or even $100,000. So when McCain lies and says Obama wants to spread your wealth around the fact is you don't have any wealth to spread. He's talking about Obama spreading his and Cindy McCain's wealth around. That's what he's fighting for – what are you fighting for?
BWWAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
Nice try. Winning an election cleanly, legally and legitmately is a real stretch for the gop. Another gop slimey tactic refused and rejected. Not this time gop!!!
Ha Ha, go pound dirt you stupid cheaters. There's nothing more anti-american than trying to stop someone from voting. Shame on you Republicans. Where is your vaunted patriotism now?
Tainopower....or whatever your name is...... nice cut and past job from Faux News
Tainopower....or whatever your name is...... nice cut and paste job from Faux News
God's Old Punks...do us all a favor.
Please leave my country. You've done enough damage.
Tainopower? More like tainted drinking water.
WE HAVE 2 MILLION NEW REGISTERED VOTERS........COULD WE GO BLUE?
OBAMA/BIDEN 08
vote vote and vote, taht is all i have to say.
i dont trust the polls,
dont trust mcbush
dont trust cnn
dont trust,
they stole the election already twice so please dont stay home,
do vote
no matter how much they lie and how they make up stories,
please vote for change
old mcgrumpy sounds awful, just sit down and listen, is this the person \you want for president
he willl not last long,
then we have to be stuck with brainless jane...........lord save us, the dinosaurs will take over