Congressman brags about stealing election

By Evan Derkacz
Posted on September 22, 2006, Printed on November 27, 2009
http://www.alternet.org/bloggers//42001/

As if there weren't enough about Maryland's undecided Democratic primary to shake our faith in the system. According to Howie Klein, progressive Donna Edwards sent an email to supporters detailing a disturbing conversation that took place on the House floor.

Remember: Edwards' attempt to unseat good ol' boy incumbent Al Wynn includes a nasty primary fraught with violence and voting problems courtesy of Diebold. But here's the conversation in question:

BARTON: Down in Texas, we had a Democratic primary about 50 years ago that Lyndon Johnson won by 54 votes. And he got the nickname "Landslide Lyndon." We have Mr. Wynn next. He had a little bit of a tussle last week, but he did win. And so, I want to recognize "Landslide Wynn" for any opening statement that he wishes...

WYNN: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In fact, they're still counting, but we're quite optimistic. And I did take a couple pages out of Lyndon's book, so if I win, it can be attributed to Texas know-how.

(LAUGHTER)

(UNKNOWN): Did you (inaudible)?

BARTON: I hope not. I hope you win fair and square.

(LAUGHTER)

WYNN: A win is a win.

Evan Derkacz is a New York-based writer and contributor to AlterNet.

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