Costa Rica's government proponents underwent a campaign "to stimulate fear" among voters in an effort to get CAFTA passed.  The Bush Administration issued repeated threats if the measure did not pass.  Reid and Pelosi sent a letter to the Costa Rican ambassador trying to neutralize the threats. 

The Costa Rican government also apparently violated domestic campaign laws by conducting rallies and distributing propaganda two days before the vote.  Public Citizen deals the government's campaign violations in the Global Trade Watch blog.

The agreement narrowly passed - by just over 51%.  The Washington Post editorial board cheered, dismissing that government's fear campaign as a "regrettable memo."  The world is saved!

But this is the strongest anti-trade vote yet.  Costa Rica is a relatively rich country in Latin America.  New trade deals now become harder.   

A re-evaluation is necessary.  Trade will continue.  It always has and always will.  But whether the lobbyists get their pet provisions in new trade deals is the question. 

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