Ron Paul Backers Come to Reynolds DefenseIt appears that Ron Paul supporters were as miffed by the response to a Jennifer Reynolds article by the New Hampshire Ron Paul "Meet up" organizers as the Gambling911.com website which published the piece. Reynolds is a special contributor to the site, who regularly reports on the Ron Paul 2008 US Presidential campaign.
In a recent article that appeared on the Gambling911.com website, special contributor Jennifer Reynolds raised the issue of US Presidential primary voting rules changes and specifically addressed the issue of New Hampshire and how its procedures could affect the so-called media classified "lower tied candidates" like Texas Representative Ron Paul.
James Forsythe, the Ron Paul "Meetup Coordinator" representing the state of New Hampshire insists that "Gambling911.com has been creating a mountain out of a molehill".
"Our web site and meetup group has been swamped with e-mails from folks around the country concerned with the changes in the voting rules in New Hampshire," Forsythe says. "This is frustrating since the rules HAVE NOT CHANGED in New Hampshire." (see Mr. Forsythe's posting here)
Forsythe's response has led to outrage among many a Ron Paul supporter.
"If you were so worried about your own state you would have gotten the word out instead of relying on Gambling911 to do it," expressed one angry supporter.
Another supporter writes:
"Attacking Jennifer Reynolds? Think that was wise? Why don't you use your head! That whole site is Pro-Paul. Now, you have the editor attacking you. That looks great to the general public!
"Got any more dirty laundry you want to air? Can you think of any other way to make yourself and all Meetup groups look more ridiculous?
"It is important not to sh*t all over the people who are ON OUR SIDE!"
Reynolds is quite content with the publicity her article has generated however, and with good reason.
"People now know the rules and a lot of votes were not lost!" Reynolds points out. "At least now folks realize that a lot of deadlines are coming up!"
As for Mr. Forsythe, he attempted to explain his position in an effort to show he was not trying to attack Reynolds.
"It is frustrating that we will not be able to convert any registered Democrats after October 12th, but the rules have not changed to exclude Ron Paul.
"It is important that we convert as many as possible before then, and all efforts are being made to do just that, but it is misleading to get people up in arms believing that the New Hampshire GOP is trying to shut Paul supporters out, when that is simply not the case.
"If Gambling911 truly wants to help Paul out, which I believe they do, they will not turn Paul supporters, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, against the NH GOP.
"There are some very legitimate concerns that have to be worked out before going all out trying to convert Democrats. For example: what would the impact be on traditional conservatives if they hear the Ron Paul campaign is going after liberals?"
It should be noted that Jennifer Reynolds feels no ill-will towards Mr. Forsythe. (Read her response to Mr. Forsythe here)
The Gambling911.com website has extensively covered the Ron Paul campaign based on several factors: He is pro-Internet gambling, his odds to become the next US President have been slashed dramatically in recent months, and - perhaps of most interest to Ron Paul supporters and those following the 2008 Presidential campaign - he's generated unprecedented traffic numbers. The Reynolds article and its follow up receiving over 25,000 reads in a matter of days.
"The numbers are staggering," explains Gambling911.com Senior Editor, Payton O'Brien. "Not only is there a legitimate interest in Ron Paul, his supporters have been making a huge impact on Internet gambling sites betting volume."
Hundreds of Ron Paul supporters have driven his odds down from 200-1 to 6 to 1 at Sportsbook.com where Ron Paul stands a better chance of winning the Presidency than Mitt Romney.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
Originally published October 10, 2007 12:33 am ET
