Clinton Camp Blasts Obama TX Operation

In an 8:45-9:10 PM ET conference call, Hillary Clinton's camp made a series of complaints against Barack Obama's TX operation, including allegations that Obama supporters were locking HRC supporters out of some caucus locations.

HRC atty Lyn Utrecht: "We've identified witnesses who said sign-up sheets for the conventions were actually being filled out at polling places during the day today.. we heard around 7 o'clock that some (caucus) precincts were calling in results before 7, and they're not even supposed to begin (caucusing) until the (primary) polls close at 7.... but perhaps the most disturbing thing we've heard... a lot of incidents and precincts (is) where the Obama campaign took the packets that were supposed to go to the precinct captain." Utrecht stated there were "numerous locations across the state where Obama supporters have taken over the caucus and locked out Clinton supporters that should have been allowed in."

HRC TX dir. Ace Smith: "We're hearing a tremendously disturbing pattern... we saw it coming all week." Smith said that despite warnings in advance to adhere to the Democratic process today, the Obama camp has "completely abandoned that thought... truly an outrage."

Obama atty Bob Bauer apparently was in on the conference call and accused HRC's camp of also questioning the mechanics of previous caucuses that they worried about losing (NV), in an effort to delegitimize any unfavorable results. Politico's Smith characterizes it thusly: "Bauer used his guerrilla appearance to call on" HRC's aides to "stop attacking the caucus process." Clinton spokesperson Howard Wolfson "eagerly engaged Bauer," stating: "I would ask you to join with us this evening in ensuring that the serious problems that are ongoing as we speak in Texas are addressed. ... What is happening in Texas is extraordinary we of course don’t hold you personally responsible for it … but we believe that you do share our commitment to strong democratic values."

Bauer: "In Nevada you filed a lawsuit in advance of the caucus..in Iowa you threatened various students." Wolfson said Clinton had never challenged a caucus. Bauer: "That is not true, Howard." Wolfson: "This is not about the process, Bob, it's about the way this particular set of caucuses are going as we speak." Later, Wolfson "gave a nod" to Bauer's "vigorous defense of the indefensible." Utrecht, on Bauer: "He didn't deny anything."