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Murphy, Fitzpatrick Exchange Voter Fraud Accusations

BUCKS COUNTY (CBS) -  Accusations of voter fraud are flying back and forth in the hotly contested race between congressman Patrick Murphy (left in photo above) and his challenger Michael Fitzpatrick (right). The County Board of Elections will hear arguments this morning.

Fitzpatrick says the Republican committee has uncovered evidence that the Murphy campaign has mailed out misleading letters and fraudulent applications for absentee ballots.

"It appears as though they were engaged in a scheme to intimidate certain voters, including elderly voters, and ultimately to obtain absentee ballot applications from voters who not otherwise have been authorized to vote by absentee ballot."

The Board of Elections has already rejected more than 600 absentee ballot applications, which is precisely Murphy's beef.

"It's sickening that the Republican-controlled Board of Elections would abuse its power to deny Democrats their constitutional right to vote."

Murphy says the board has rejected six democratic applications for every one Republican application. Now, he and his fellow Democrats must defend themselves against the Fitzpatrick campaign's allegations in front of that very same board.

The Republicans want all absentee ballots impounded until an investigation is completed.

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