Use of the phrase "conspiracy theorists" in the House Debate >

[Stephanie]

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio.

But apparently some Democrats only want to gripe about counts, recounts, and recounts of recounts. So eager are they to abandon their job as public servants, they have cast themselves in the role of Michael Moore, concocting wild conspiracy theories to distract the American public. Such aspiring fantasy authors should note the facts before they let the ink dry on this tall tale.

Mr. Keller

Why are we here wasting time on silly Hollywood inspired conspiracy theories?

Why allow the conspiracy theorists to undermine the public confidence in the electoral system itself?

Mr. NEY.

For those thinking Mr. Anthony must be a part of this conspiracy, I would point out that in addition to his position on the elections board, Mr. Anthony serves as chairman of the Franklin County Democrat Party. He said that he is offended by accusations from a band of conspiracy theorists.

Ms. PELOSI.

So, Mr. Speaker, I say to my colleagues, please do not talk about this as a ``conspiracy theory.'' It is not about that. It is not about conspiracy; it is about the Constitution of the United States. George Bush and Dick Cheney are the elected President and Vice President of the United States, and I think the objection will be overruled today in that regard. It has never been about that. It has always been about the fundamental principle of the legitimacy of our electoral process.

Mr. REYNOLDS.

Mr. Speaker, President Bush won more votes than any candidate in America's history. His opponent conceded that victory long ago. The Ohio results have been certified, and one of that State's newspapers, the Dayton Daily News, reported last month that those advancing the wild-eyed conspiracy theories surrounding Ohio's electorate votes are ``speaking nonsense.''

Ms. ESHOO.

We know that elections are not perfect, but no American should be castigated for raising questions or concerns when valid voting problems arise. Only open debate on this issue will solve these problems; only accurate information will quell rumors and conspiracy theories that question our country's sacred democratic tradition.

Mr. HOLT.

Mr. Speaker, this debate is not frivolous. This is not about sour grapes. This is not about conspiracy theories. This is about the central act of democracy.

Mr. TIBERI.

In fact, Franklin County Board of Elections Chairman William Anthony has gone so far as to label those making these wild charges ``a band of conspiracy theorists.'' By the way, Anthony is also head of the Franklin County Democratic Party. I know him personally, as I do others who serve on the boards of elections in the three counties I represent.