The 9th circuit will hear oral arguments in Alaskan Independence Party v State on August 8, in Anchorage, Alaska (no. 07-35186). This little-noticed case has important implications for the law concerning the rights of political parties. The Alaskan Independence Party argues that it has a right to bar candidates from its primaries, if those candidates are hostile to the party. The party specifically wants to bar Daniel DeNardo, who has been suing the party for slander (in state court), ever since 2005.
This case is important to Libertarians and to any small party that gains ballot access. The state sponsored primary system is an open invitation to vanity candidates.
I am the Vice Chairman of the American Independent Party of California. This is the first time I have
heard of this case. But I do know Dan DeNardo and
consider him my friend. This is a long friendship of over 30 years. I believe he would make a good
addition to Alaska State Government in what ever office he runs for. Back in 2004, when I was a
National Committee Member of the Constitution Party
I posted a sign for Mr. DeNardo Alaska’s race at the National Convention of the Constitution Party in Valley Forge, PA. Dan DeNardo best wish from California.
Sincerely, Mark Seidenberg, Vice Chairman and National Committeeman of the American Independent Party of California.