WXIT 1200 AM

How often do you get to tune in to WXIT 1200 AM and listen to a radio host actively encourage his listeners to commit a felony? That's just what Rush Limbaugh did recently. He used his show to encourage his loyal listeners to cross over party lines and vote for Hillary in the Ohio primary--hoping to swing the vote in her favor--because Limbaugh believed that she would be more easily defeated by McCain in the general election.

Problem is--in Ohio--voters who opt to cross over party lines must sign a statement indicating that they are in fact committed to supporting the candidate they voted for. But the Cleveland Plan Dealer has found out a few things that might interest Rush, and his blindly obedient followers:

A staggering 16,000-plus Republicans in Cuyahoga County switched parties when they voted in last week's primary.

That includes 931 in Rocky River, 1,027 in Westlake and 1,142 in Strongsville. More than a third of the Republicans in Solon and Bay Village switched. Pepper Pike had the most dramatic change: just under half its Republicans became Democrats. And some of those who changed - it's difficult to say how many - could be in trouble with the law.

...

Those who crossed lines were supposed to sign a pledge card vowing allegiance to their new party.

In Cuyahoga County, dozens and dozens of Republicans scribbled addendums onto their pledges as new Democrats:

"For one day only."

"I don't believe in abortion."

...

Lying on the pledge is a felony, punishable by six to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

...

It started a few weeks ago when conservative radio powerhouse Rush Limbaugh suggested that his Republican following cross over during the primary to vote for Clinton. Clinton, Limbaugh argued, would be easier for McCain to beat in November than Obama.

Soon, local morning radio show host Bob Frantz echoed Limbaugh on WTAM AM/1100, and the buzz began to grow.

Cuyahoga County Republican Chairman Rob Frost tried to tamp down the temptation. He contacted Republican voters and appeared on the Frantz show urging Republicans "not to heed the siren call of Rush Limbaugh and others."

"Elections are not something you should be playing games with," Frost said last week during a telephone interview...

Neat. Is this an example of a new type of signing statement? If it works for the Prez, then it must be OK in instances like this too.

Can we look forward to more of this type of election interference as the NC primary approaches? Will WXIT 1200 AM serve as the mouthpiece again? Guess we'll have to make a list of local businesses who advertise on Rush's program again. Break out the boots.