Those poor Republicans can't open their mouths anymore without something making them look bad. Just a week after Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman responded to a report on vote fraud with strong condemnation, it was learned the RNC has been funding James Tobin's legal defence as he tries to avoid prison for illegal electoral hijinks.

Tobin was regional director of the National Republican Senatorial Campaign during 2002's tight New Hampshire senate race. On election day, he and two other stooges jammed phone lines, preventing Dems from reaching voters in need of a ride to the polls. The others pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, but Tobin's not going down without a fight. Despite claiming a "zero-tolerance" stance on vote fraud and those committing it, the RNC has paid all $722,000 (U.S.) of the bills accrued in that fight so far.

Asked about the inconsistency of words versus actions, a spokesperson explained that Tobin is a "longtime friend" of the RNC, and their support is based on Tobin's "assurance" that he's not lying.

» Scott Saxon