On November 28, a U.S. District Court Judge in Idaho dismissed the lawsuit filed earlier this year by 72 Republican Party legislators, party officers and activists, asking for a closed primary. The judge noted that the Idaho Republican Party itself had not filed the lawsuit. He said the people who did file the lawsuit don’t have standing to act for the party. Beck v Ysursa, 07-299. The decision is 15 pages and can be read here.

The people who filed the lawsuit will not appeal. Instead, they will try to persuade the 2008 session of the legislature to pass a bill, letting parties close their own primaries to party membes. However, Ben Ysursa, Secretary of State, says he will fight the bill if it tries to take effect in time for the May 2008 primary. He says there isn’t enough time to make the change.

Thanks to Steve Rankin for the link to the decision.