October 7, 2004
Private: Undue Influence By Fruit-of-the-Loom
The Republican Party of Michigan has filed a criminal complaint, asking prosecutors in that state to bring charges against film maker Michael Moore. According to the complaint, Moore violated election laws by handing out clean underwear and ramen noodles to newly registered voters as part of his "Slacker Uprising Tour."
We want everyone to participate in this year's election," said Greg McNeilly, executive director of the state Republican Party, "but not because they were bribed or coerced by the likes of Michael Moore."
Moore responded that his gifts were nothing more than satire:
"Of course, this would be quite laughable if they weren't so serious about their charges. But they are. I may soon be a wanted man in Michigan -- simply because I convinced a few slackers to change their underwear and eat a healthy meal of artificially flavored noodles."
UPDATE (10/7/04, 5:30pm EST): Prosecutors in Michigan have rejected the request to charge Moore with violating election laws."Alleging that a person is attempting to buy votes is a serious allegation, and one that is taken seriously by this office. However, your request to prosecute Mr. Moore trivializes the intent of this section of the election code."