Chicago Reader has this fascinating story about how the chair of the Cook County Democratic Party hopes to keep the independent candidate, Forrest Claypool, off the November 2010 ballot, in the race for Cook County Assessor.
Claypool, a reformer with excellent credentials, needs 25,000 valid signatures by June 21. The Democratic nominee, Joe Berrios, is also the chair of the Cook County Democratic Party. Berrios plans to argue that voters who signed a petition to place anyone on the primary ballot for that office may not sign for an independent candidate. He also plans to argue that voters who voted in the February 2010 primary may not sign for an independent candidate. Thanks to Jeff Trigg for the link.
It’s just amazing what the duopoly will do to stay in power. Tp require 25,000 signatures for a local office is just ridiculous, and to run crying to the courts asking them to legislate a primary screenout into the election code is even more ridiculous.
Here in Britain all it takes is 10 signatures and £500 and you are a valid candidate for Parliament. How hard can it be??