Friday, November 21, 2008



Nov. 20: Both candidates in the race for Senator of Minnesota are doing everything they can to make sure any questionable ballot choices go their way. Democratic strategist Steve McMahon and Republican strategist Todd Harris look at the race.

There is no doubt that the pop-culture hit of Minnesota's recount is this disputed Beltrami County ballot:



Unless the author shows up with a handwriting sample (and possibly a urine sample), we'll never really know "voter intent."

But of course, there's trusty Google, which turns up this possible explainer from Wired magazine's "Best Conspiracy Theories":

If a science fiction-based religion isn't exotic enough, followers of onetime BBC reporter David Icke believe that certain powerful people — like George W. Bush and the British royals — actually belong to an alien race of shape-shifting lizard-people. Icke claims Princess Diana confirmed this to one of her close friends; other lizard theories (there are several) point to reptilian themes in ancient mythology. And let's not forget the '80s TV show V.

Icke's site is here, and our friends at Wikipedia offer this cold-blooded backgrounder on the broader historical phenomenon.

By the way, I give Franken that vote. Clearly, Lizard People don't get the nod for Senate if the oval isn't blacked in. [Hat tip on ballot publicity to MPR's fabulous "You be the judge."]


FOXNews
Franken, Coleman Vote Counting Disrupted by Lizard People
Indecision 2008 (satire) - 3 hours ago
In the famous Beltrami County ballot that will be the Hanging Chad of Aught Eight, a reptilian-American wrote-in "Lizard People" for President. ...
Video: Recount Under Way in Minn. Senate Race AssociatedPress
Indecision, Thumb Prints and Lizard People in the Minnesota Recount Wall Street Journal Blogs
In Minnesota, Sorting Out Voters’ Intentions Flathead Beacon
Election Dissection - Hot Air
all 2,149 news articles »

Minnesota Public Radio
The Bachmen vs. Lizard People
Minnesota Public Radio, MN - 1 hour ago
Aside: I suppose the Franken camp could mount a challenge by saying that "Lizard People" is not the name of an individual, though I doubt "voter intends to ...
Recount gives us stunning view of voters and their wily ways
Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - 16 hours ago
One spoiled ballot was easy to discard, since the voter wrote in LIZARD PEOPLE. Seriously. Normally that would be fine, but he also voted for another ...

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