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PENNSYLVANIA: KEYSTONE HANNITY [Chris Lilik 10/28 04:52 PM]

Radio talk show host Sean Hannity just had two big Pennsylvania guests on his show today debating a very timely topic: Pa. military absentee ballots extensions.

While US Senator Rick Santorum and Governor Ed Rendell weren't on at the same time, both were prepared for Hannity, who was on tour in the Keswick Theatre in Glenside (SEPA) for a Big Talker 1210 event.

Santorum, who was only on for a couple minutes, said less than half of the ballots are back and the deadline is tomorrow. Hannity said confusion over Nader's name appearing on the ballot caused this mess. Santorum argued that our troops should get a two week extension, and reiterated that Governor Ed Rendell could easily ask the Federal Court for such an extension.

Rendell, who was on much longer and immediatly met with boos, argued that only 2 of 26,000 said there were problems. When Hannity stated that less than half of the 26,000 ballots had been received, Rendell said there are 67 counties, 2/3 of them controlled by Republicans, and 65 of the 67 counties mailed the counties out by the statutory deadline.

Hannity constantly asked if Rendell would go along with Santorum in urging a federal court for a military ballot extension. Rendell refused to say whether or not he would support Santorum because there was litigation pending. The audience booed this as well.

Specifically, Rendell said they are examining 2 of the 26,000 ballots and argued that counties still have 5 days more to get the rest of the ballots in.

"Your lawsuit created confusion," said Hannity.

"Sean, you've mislead people again," shot back Rendell. "The Court heard this case last week and said there was no evidence of disenfranchisement." Rendell said Santorum has only found 2 problems in 5 days of investigating.

Hannity said 2 people are suing and saying their family member's vote is being disenfranchised.

"I will make you a deal," said Rendell. "I will go on your show tomorrow to tell you what we have decided." Rendell said a decision would be made tomorrow at 9AM.

Toward the end of their interview Rendell repeatedly refused to say in principle whether overseas military ballots postmarked by the 2nd of November should be counted.

"This is beyond politics," said Hannity "These guys are putting their lives on the line…We ought do everything we can to count those votes."

Hannity also talked about Bush leading by two points in the latest Quinnipiac PA poll "This is the first time that I can remember seeing Bush up in the state of Pennsylvania," Hannity said to loud cheers.