George Dale, Mississippi’s Democratic Insurance Commissioner since 1975, was denied the right to file as a Democrat last month. Mississippi elects all its state officers in the odd years before presidential elections, so the state election is in November 2007. Dale was kept off the Democratic primary ballot because he endorsed President Bush for re-election in 2004. He filed a lawsuit in state court to overturn that decision.
However, at the hearing on April 27, he said that he no longer wants to be the Democratic nominee, and that he wants to be an independent. Since this issue had not been briefed, the court took no immediate action. Dale needs 1,000 signatures to be on the ballot, which he undoubtedly could collect. Unfortunately, the deadline has already passed. It is possible he will file new papers to argue that the deadline is unconstitutional. Thanks to Steve Rankin for this news.
Blood or marriage, any connection to
former Reform Party USA National Chair
Sean O’Hara Hattiesberg [Mississippi]
long term lackey Barbara Anne Dale?
I never heard of Barbara Anne Dale, but as far as I know, she and Commissioner Dale are not related.
You know, of course, that Shawn O’Hara filed as a Democrat for every state office, but the Dems only certified him for the state treasurer’s race, in which the incumbent Republican is unbeatable. Shawn also filed for eight or so county offices. He has filed lawsuits against both the state Democrats and the Forrest County Dems.
The briefs in Commissioner Dale’s case are due next Friday, May 4.
Here are local coverage and comments on Commissioner Dale’s case.