Staton Aide Warns of Election Night "Security Issues"

I don't know whether it's the comparison to Jack Ellis, the idea that an aide (or at least someone with a cecilstaton.com email account) thinks they need to come down from on high to advise local law enforcement regarding possible security risks on election day (implying that local law enforcement is incompetent, living under a rock or both), or the fact that an increased police presence could intimidate some voters- see Florida 2000- but something about this email is just plain wrong. Of course the fact that it comes from the office of Mr. Voter ID himself, Cecil Staton, is enough to make me suspect of the purpose:


From: Zach Johnson [mailto:zach@cecilstaton.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 1:26 PM

To: rick.hutto@macon.ga.us; james.timley@macon.ga.us; larry.schlesinger@macon.ga.us; miriam.paris@macon.ga.us; lauren.benedict@macon.ga.us; lonnie.miley@macon.ga.us; mike.cranford@macon.ga.us; alveno.ross@macon.ga.us; charles.jones@macon.ga.us; nancy.white@macon.ga.us; elaine.lucas@macon.ga.us; ed.defore@macon.ga.us; virgil.watkins@macon.ga.us; tom.ellington@macon.ga.us; erick.erickson@macon.ga.us; keith.moffett@macon.ga.us; sam.henderson@macon.ga.us; andrew.blascovich@macon.ga.us

Subject: Election night issues

Good afternoon,

As a strict precautionary measure I want to bring the possibility of election night issues to your attention. With this being one of the most heavily followed elections in history, I strongly feel that which ever way the election goes the city of Macon could be faced with potential security issues on election night. If you remember, following the election of Mayor Jack Ellis downtown Macon faced substantial celebratory damage and it is my fear that if Obama/McCain wins or loses we could face even greater issues this election. With the City’s recent crime issues, I strongly feel that you all need to huddle with the Mayor, The Chief of Police and well as the Sheriff to put together a contingency plan for potential election night issues. Thank you for your leadership!

Best regards,
Zach Johnson