National nastiness

ABC News has a headline on its Web site:
DEMOCRATS SEND CEASE-AND-DESIST LETTER TO REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE OVER AUTOMATED PHONE CALLS TO VOTERS

A Chicago Tribune blogger has the story behind the headline:

Somewhat ironically, I have received a deluge of emails since last night from Democrats complaining about the flood of last-minute phone calls Republicans are making to voters in an effort drive down the Democratic vote tomorrow.
The e-mailers are upset about "robocalls"—pre-recorded, automated phone calls containing anti-Democratic political messages.
The calls initially sound like they’re coming from the Democratic candidates since they mention the Democrat’s name right off the bat.
But they’re actually being made by Republican organizations like the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Josh Marshall is on the case big time.