Confirmed

When I write it based on reader reports, it's apparently "gossip" to the Naderites. But what about when the AP confirms that Republican groups are working hard to get Nader on the Oregon ballot?

Two conservative groups have been phoning people around Oregon this week, urging them to attend Ralph Nader's convention Saturday in hopes of putting Nader's name on Oregon's presidential ballot.

The groups make no bones about their goal -- to draw votes away from Democrat John Kerry and help President Bush win this battleground state in November.

"We disagree with Ralph Nader's politics, but we'd love to see him make the ballot," said Russ Walker of Citizens for a Sound Economy, a group best known for its opposition to tax increases.

The Oregon Family Council also has been working the phones to boost attendance at Nader's event -- with the idea that it could help Bush this fall.

"We aren't bashful about doing it," said Mike White, the group's director. "We are a conservative, pro-family organization, and Bush is our guy on virtually every issue."

Here's the phone script for the CSE phonebanking effort:

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Nader's people welcome the help from these Republicans.

The head of Nader's Oregon campaign, Greg Kafoury, said he's had no contact with the two conservative groups that have been calling people this week. But he said he's not bothered by their actions, either.

He should be bothered. Republicans wouldn't be working to help a true and viable progressive movement.