Guest Blogged by Clint Curtis
My name is Clint Curtis, and I am running for Congress in Florida’s 24th District because I am fed up with the corruption and incompetence that continues to plague us in Washington. I’m running because the people of this country deserve honest representation and strong leadership that reflects the true will of the people.
As long-time BRAD BLOG readers may remember, I have dedicated myself to the cause of election integrity ever since a corrupt congressman asked me to create a prototype vote-rigging software program while we were both working for the same Florida software company back in 2000.
Since then, I have stepped into the sunshine to tell the story, and have become one of the nation’s leading advocates for election reform. Working with non-partisan election integrity groups across the nation, I have fought hard for legislation that mandates the use of paper ballots. The state of Florida just passed such legislation earlier this year — an enormous victory for proponents of election reform and a great win, finaly, for the voters of Florida.
My district is bordered by Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach and Orlando. It is a district of stark contrast between the haves and the have nots. Million dollar beachfront palaces sit just a scant few miles away from thousands who subsist in grinding poverty, bereft of hope. This is Florida’s Space Coast, a region of stunning beauty and spectacular innovation, but we have the misfortune to be represented by one of the most corrupt Republicans in Congress, the very same congressman who asked me to create that vote-rigging program: Tom Feeney.
Tom Feeney is the latest Republican congressman to fall under the shadow of the Jack Abramoff bribery and corruption scandal. Feeney is now under investigation by the FBI for his dealings with Abramoff. The writing is on the wall, making Florida’s 24th District one of the top three targeted races in the country.
But I will need your help in running against Feeney, and more importantly for the moment, helping the Democratic power structure in Washington D.C. understand we are ready, willing and able to take this seat and remove Tom Feeney once and for all.
For those of you who are new to The BRAD BLOG and may not be familiar with my story, up until just a few years ago I was a stereotypical, mild-mannered software engineer who would have never in a million years considered running for public office. As I said in a post last week, introducing myself to readers at Daily Kos, I’m just a ‘regular guy,’ a middle class citizen, working hard to make ends meet, like so many of you. And sad to say, for too many years, I bought into the myth that people like us can’t really make much a difference.
I’ve been a programmer since 1985. I’ve worked on projects as diverse as NASA to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Department. Although I was always an independently inclined voter, for years I identified more with Republicans than Democrats. I thought they shared my values of integrity, ethics, and honesty. I believe many of them still do. But that trust was shattered when I came to discover what shameless depths bad apple Republican politicians have now sunk to…
I can’t say I know for a fact that the prototype I was asked to design to flip votes on touch-screen voting systems was implemented. I can tell you for a fact that I was asked by Feeney to create such a program. It’s a serious charge to make. And as Carl Sagan often said, extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence. I testified under oath before the Conyers Commission and passed a polygraph test as to my knowledge of the attempt to develop fraudulent voting machines. I have worked very hard with the help of Brad and election integrity activists since 2004 to document flaws in our voting system. We have been making steady progress toward the goal of truly verifiable and honest elections, and a responsive government that serves the people, not the politicians.
Feeney is a veritable icon of the Republican Culture of Corruption, big money special interests, and anti-science lunacy that has unscrupulously hijacked this county, my state, and our beloved country for sordid political profit — as well as the traditional green kind. He may have been up to his eyeballs in the Abramoff racket; we’ll know soon enough if that is the case as he’s built his official legal defense fund beginning with a $5000 “donation” from the Yang family, the ones who ran the crooked company where he and I both worked, the ones who hope Feeney will continue to help them with NASA contracts in return while he sits on the Space and Science Commission in Congress.
But one documented fact that makes my blood boil — and I’m guessing yours as well — Feeney was a critical player in halting the 2000 Florida recount. Shortly thereafter he awarded himself a prize: As Speaker of the Florida house, he literally drew his own Congressional District, slicing piecemeal through dozens of communities using clever demographic indicators designed purely to maximize his chances of permanent re-election, and minimize those of any challenger.
Even so, in his the district he drew for himself, sitting on top of a mountain of sleazy cash, Mr. Feeney garnered a mere 58% of the vote in 2006. He spent hundreds of thousands of dollars more than we did, with our completely grassroots-funded campaign, and yet could only squeeze out eight measly points in as friendly a district as you can imagine — and on unverifiable voting machines that only a Florida Republican could love.
I’m not just proud to oppose this man again, I’m eager to do it.
I’m proud to run against Mr. Feeney because I support science, civil liberties, Constitutional checks and balances, and fair, open elections with paper ballots that are actually counted, with proper scrutiny by qualified, nonpartisan citizens. I’m also well aware every would-be politician that comes your way promises they will fight for our progressive values. But I’ll go one further in the spirit of the representative government our Founding Fathers envisioned: The hard-working voters and residents in my district deserve a Congressman who will represent all the people, not just a few well-connected conservative businessmen or ideological extremists. When I’m elected, my door will be open to all my constituents. Because, regardless who votes for or against me, in the end I represent the people of Florida’s 24th district. That includes Democrats, Republicans, independents, progressives, and conservatives. Most importantly, I will represent the progressive netroots community and push our agenda through Congress. No excuses and no delays.
All citizens deserve representatives who will listen to their concerns and guard their interests. I will not turn my back on anyone in the way that Tom Feeney and the rubber-stamp Republicans turned their back on you. This is a core progressive value: We are a nation Of the People, By the People, and For the People. That means all of the people. That’s something the current representative of FL-24 and the temporary occupants in our White House have forgotten. I will not.
We don’t yet have the support of the DCCC. Their sole focus right now is on how much money we can raise in this quarter. That is why I need your support right now. We need to show them you want a Congressman with a backbone, who will stand for you and what is right, not someone who will repeat Beltway talking points yet produce no results. I’m running so I can accomplish the changes that will make a difference for all Americans. When I am in Congress, you will have a representative who listens to you and pushes through your agenda.
There is no question that Tom Feeney is vulnerable, but I won’t be able to beat him without you and the support of the Netroots. That’s the bottom line.
Tell the DCCC (430 S Capitol Street, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003; 202-863-1500) the kind of person you want to represent you in Congress ““ an empty suit that accomplishes nothing, or someone who has solutions and the iron will to pass legislation to:
- Require a paper ballot, that is actually counted, for every vote cast in America
- End the war in Iraq now
- Keep American jobs in America
- Protect Social Security
- Achieve energy independence today
- Ensure that every American has access to quality healthcare and affordable prescription drugs
- Revitalize NASA
- Strengthen our borders and coastlines
I hope you will join my Grassroots Campaign at www.ClintCurtis.com, and spread the word. There is a quote (I don’t know who said it), “You may not be able to vote for me, but I will be voting for you.” That is my view. This is a seat we can win! With your support, you can have a representative that brings Leadership for a Change to Congress.
Thanks so much for your time.
Clint Curtis
Leadership for a Change
www.clintcurtis.com
– A Quick Summary of the story so far.
– An Index of all the Key Articles & Evidence in the series so far.
– Curtis eventually ended up running for U.S. Congress against Feeney in 2006.
Great Statement of purpose- I will be campaigning all of this coming week as well as picking up some signed petitions-Looking foward to greeting you at the launch party-Hope you enjoy my musical artistry.
M. Farrow
Mr. Curtis said:
I’m proud to run against Mr. Feeney because I support science, civil liberties, Constitutional checks and balances, and fair, open elections with paper ballots that are actually counted, with proper scrutiny by qualified, nonpartisan citizens.
You sound like the real type of Republican that I know, not the neocons or neocrats. People often forget that we are a republic not a democracy. The only safe way for democracy to work is within a democratic republic. Our government was set up to protect the minority from the majority; to protect ourselves from slowly squandering our rights and property away for the sake of safety. All citizens are supposed to be protected under the clause of corpus delicti, followed up with habeas corpus. I see none of this today.
I’ve seen the video of you doing what’s right. You go boy! Stick it to these so called representatives. We got your back.
Mr. Curtis,
I just read of your intended candidacy on Brad’s Blog.
Sounds great…
However…
There is one overriding issue that all candidats must make a decision on. You are
asking us to support your desire to be put in a position to swear an oath to “support
and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and
domestic”.
What is your stand today against confirmed domestic enemies to the Constitution:
Bush, Cheney, Gonzales, et al?
Impeachment is the Constitutionally mandated remedy.
Do you have a better idea?
Let us know. If you stand strongly for peace through justice in the form of impeachment
we will be adamant supporters.
If not?
We see no difference in the long run in supporting you or the status quo.
With all respect,
Mikael Rudolph
http://www.ImpeachforPeace.org
Yeah, Clint! Swear to ex post facto impeachment or we ain’t voting fer ya! 😛
… Agent 99 said…
“Yeah, Clint! Swear to ex post facto impeachment or we ain’t voting fer ya! :-P”
Sorry, 99, but all Democratic candidates for all offices have pre-emptively declared that all post-regime investigations and prosecutions are off the table… “in order to allow the nation to heal…”
Well. crap, Zap. We have ourselves a raging national MRSA infection and with “healers” like those, who needs enemies?
# “all”
It is hardly ever true when someone says “all” or “every”, and is 99 percent of the time an exaggeration, as in this instance.
Try influencing a cat with reason sometime. Ha! The dems are in the minority in the Senate (48 voting members to the repub’s 49 voting members). And who but a fur ball would expect the republicans to impeach their preznit blush? Clue: it takes 67 votes to convict on impeachment, not 48.
Pat #2; I know that your sentiments are well meaning when you say “Our government was set up to protect the minority from the majority“.
The US Constitution was a slave preserving piece of shit until the Bill of Rights was added to it upon protest of many of the delegates, who were saying they would not sign it, and would go home if those rights were not enumerated.
And, even that was only a beginning, because until the civil war slavery was “legitimate” reality. Slavery while the political bullshitters were giving hot-air statements about how cool of a democracy we were! That sucks!
And, even until the “enlightened” 60’s, rank and perverted discrimination was rife in “Our government … set up to protect the minority from the majority“.
We still have a long way to go and more good changes to make.
Speaking of e-vote machines, does Canada have e-vote machines? How come we never talk about that subject???
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/D...ters_0826.html
Clint,
You may save money bypassing the primaries, because there may not be a valid Florida democratic primary this year. It remains to be seen.
Either way, see you in the general election!
Hey Clint, THANKS for all you’ve done to support our republic’s democracy! You’re a maveric with real integrity, balance, and commonsense for the good of all sectors of society— just what this country needs. Going on record for impeachment or post facto impeachment may garner you and your story MSM coverage. Just something to consider when looking at the most recent numbers I could find: (Major pollsters still refusing to do comprehensive poll on impeachment)
bush Impeachment MSNBC
88% Yes, between the secret spying, the deceptions leading to war and more there is plenty to justify putting him on trial.
4.2% No…a few missteps, but nothing approaching “high crimes and misdeanors.”
5.6% No…done absolutely nothing wrong. Impeachment would just be political lynching.
cheney Impeachment (After Downing St.I think. Its on OPED NEWS)
Out of 104,242 votes
99.17% yes
00.82% no
7/6/07 ARG poll
Impeach cheney on libby issue
54% yes
40% no
And for clarity’s sake, what is the law in Florida on recounts as it stands today?
Right now we should begin to insist that simply making it to the end of your term does not give you a free pass. Crimes committed while in office should be pursued even after the office holder’s term has expired. It is, in fact, much easier to gather evidence and prosecute offenders who are no longer in the power positions they once held. That would be a big preventative measure to the standard practice of obstruction till the end of their terms and curb the abuses and corruption that our system presently allows. It would also help to eliminate some of the partisanship of the process. I’m not sure if Post-Impeachment would be the proper term but some type of idea of this fashion is obviously necessary.
Clint
Clint, I agree that would help to apply pressure to undo this administration’s Constitution shredding and make future leaders more accountable, but I still say this administration is far too dangerous to leave in for 17 more months. If a real Attorney General is appointed would you then consider more aggressive action?
Way cool, Clint.
Also Clint, I think your support of energy independence is wonderful. A great way to create American jobs and end wars for oil. I hope you are aware of the fact the DOE is giving a 125 million dollar grant to a lab that has been able to produce pure ethanol from microbes, because I never hear this project mentioned at all when biofuels are discussed? I’d be happy to give you more info on it if your interested!
Dredd…
I didn’t imply that statement to be a racial one. Everybody already knows the old system allowed for slavery. Simply, it means that if 51% of the country wants my land for a Wal-Mart, at least the 49% are supposed to have a say in stopping it. Eminent Domain comes to mind.
Stem-cells, abortion, ect… are not the Government’s business. They are there to protect our fundamental rights from being eroded and the protection from enemies foreign and domestic. Government cannot allow private banks to print money out of thin air, further putting the entire country in peril. How many candidates do you know of that even so much as mentions this? I can only think of one. (A die-hard libertarian running on the repub ticket) The only reason I would give support to a democrat is if they fought aggressively for voting reform. Common sense indicates the system would even itself out if the system of corruption was leveled.
The current system of government is not helping us in any way. Further socializing our system is supposed to help? Allowing the government to dictate our lives and decisions for us puts a sour grape in the bunch. Soon, the rest will spoil.
Big Dan # 8 We do not have electronic voting in the Federal elections, although one province (New Brunswick) was pondering using them. There was a lot of talk about electronic voting in 04 but I don’t hear much anymore. Quite a few of the municipal elections do use optical scan with Diebold Accu Vote , now Premier Solutions 🙁
Second try at posting
Clint #11
Impeachment only applies to those holding federal office:
(Article I, Section 3, emphasis added). After leaving office there is no way to impeach. The criminal process takes over then. The prosecution for crimes while in office still remains available to both state and federal prosecutors:
(Article I, Section 3, (link above), emphasis added). The “according to Law” means a grand jury indictment and the usual criminal trial.
The technical advantage of not being impeached is that the president can pardon those who have not been impeached:
(Article II, Section 2, emphasis added). Thus, there are times when criminal defense lawyers would counsel their clients to resign instead of taking a risk of impeachment in the House.
Oh, fer crapsakes, Dredd! He knows that. Everybody knows that. Sheesh. He’s saying he’s in favor of something after the fact that would have the necessary effect of making it not okay to do in the future as this administration has done. If they won’t impeach, precedent has been set and there needs to be some way to mitigate that. I was making a joke about ex post facto impeachment, since even if elected, Clint couldn’t help impeach them because they’d only be a few days from leaving office.
Easy there 99. When Dredd post info like that I think alot of people come to understand just what the law does say!
So you think it’s not insulting to cut and paste that stuff to Clint Curtis?
Well 99, I think Clint would take it in stride knowing a larger viewing audience would be reading it as well. That’s all.
Speaking of the “R” word.
After Foley, the love triangle shootout of Feeney’s boys in Orlando, and some other lurid bathroom escapades, it is clear that Clint will be in an “R” rated (after cleanup from “X”) campaign.
Senator Craig (R-Closet) has resigned from the Romney (R-Torture) campaign after asking an undercover cop if he could suck lil dickie in a Minnesota public restroom.
Ancient #21
As this poster reveals, you are correct. People tend to be more unaware when it comes to constitutional law, than they are on a host of other issues. Take the recent Attorney General for instance.
Don’t be too hard on the agent who has a different focus at times. Once we had just discovered that the only person who inspects EVM’s in America was attached to the Military Industrial Complex. The agent’s main concern was that we answer an unrelated question.
And, whatever you do, don’t ask the agent how the qui tam is going.
Whoa, whoa, whoa Dredd I think both of yinz are Great and I don’t want to stir up anything more than what I said.
Ancient #23
Whoa, whoa, whoa Ancient. Didn’t say you did. We have not reached the place here, yet, where you are blamed for what I say. It is not a conspiracy theory place 🙂
Some here think it is all about them, not those who read here and don’t post, as you bring out.
That seems to be the extent of the charges against you 🙂 .
Demockcrazy, its not just for Stalin anymore.
Funny Dredd… they left out the “R triple murder Florida suicide.”
Oops, I meant ” the R triple GAY (I have nothing against gays) Florida suicide”