Clinton, Obama folks trade accusations

The Hillary Clinton campaign today accused the Barack Obama campaign of potentially "troubling" and "innapropriate behavior."

The Obama campaign responded by accusing the Clinton campaign of trying to "depress turnout."

The Enquirer's Howard Wilkinson reports there's not much evidence locally for either claim.


Here are the dueling releases, in the order they were received:

** MEDIA ADVISORY**STATEMENT FROM OHIO FOR HILLARY STATE DIRECTOR ROBBY MOOK ON TODAY'S VOTING

Voters Can Call (888) 472-9470 To Report Irregularities At The Polls

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio for Hillary State Director Robby Mook issued the following statement regarding Obama Campaign tactics:

As Ohioans head to the polls this morning, we're seeing high turnout across the state despite bad weather. It is inspiring to see so many Democrats turning out to vote today, and we encourage everyone to make their voice heard in this election.

While we expect voting to run smoothly, we have heard troubling reports of irregularities and inappropriate behavior by Sen. Obama's campaign across the state.

We continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that all voters' rights are preserved.

In Akron, a certified Obama poll watcher was removed by the presiding judge from Akron's 4M precinct for aggressively challenging voters.

In Cincinnati, we have numerous reports that Obama poll watchers have been reprimanded after wearing campaign paraphernalia into polling places, in clear violation of election law.We encourage all of our supporters to head to the polls today, as we continue to work with local election officials and the Ohio Democratic Party to ensure that no voter is disenfranchised.

There is too much at stake in this election for Democrats to stay home.Voters who witness inappropriate behavior or other voting irregularities are asked to call (888) 472-9470 or log on to www.hillaryclinton.com and report their experiences

STATEMENT FROM OBAMA OHIO STATE DIRECTOR PAUL TEWES

“Our campaign’s goal today is to ensure that any registered voter in the state of Ohio can go to the polls and cast their ballot for their candidate of choice without interference. We understand that the Clinton campaign may want to depress turnout because Barack Obama has closed a 20-point gap over the course of this month as voters across the state got to know him.”

“It has been the hallmark of the Democratic party to educate and protect the rights of voters. If the Clinton campaign disagrees with that principle, they should say so today.”

“We have received reports from around the state of independents and Republicans who chose to vote in the Democratic primary receiving issue only or Republican ballots instead of the Democratic ballot they were entitled to. We have also had reports that the voter ID requirements have been misstated at various locations, causing some voters to be turned away. “

“ We will take action when necessary to ensure that all eligible voters are able to cast their votes and to have their votes counted.”

“We will continue to monitor the polls to ensure that all Ohioans who choose to participate in today’s election are able to do so regardless of who they choose to vote for.”