On January 27, the Constitution Party won its ballot access case, after the government of St. Louis County admitted that its ballot access law for county council is unconstitutional. The county law says only the two largest parties (as measured by the last gubernatorial vote) may run nominees for that office, which is a partisan office. The judge had already enjoined the law last year, so this is not surprising. The case is Constitution Party of Missouri v St. Louis County, e.d., 4:15cv-207. The county government must now pay $30,973 in attorneys fees to the attorney for the party. Thanks to Ken Bush for this news.
So, the citizens & taxpayers of St. Louis County will have to pay
$30,973. It would be far better if those county commissioners who made this law personally had to pay the $30,973. That way, maybe officials who passed such laws – and others considering the same – just might think twice about doing so.