Georgia Democratic Party Lawsuit on Order of Candidates on Ballot

Posted on by November 4, 2019
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On November 1, the Democratic Party sued Georgia over the law that says the nominees of the party that won the last gubernatorial race are always listed first on the general election ballot. S.P.S. v Raffensperger. The case doesn’t have a number yet so has not yet been assigned to a judge.

Unlike similar Democratic Party lawsuits in Texas, Florida, and Arizona, this Complaint does not suggest that only major parties are entitled to an equal chance to be listed first on the ballot.

The first-named plaintiff is identified only by his initials, because he is not yet 18 years old, but he will be 18 by the time of the 2020 election. Thanks to Brandon Haynes for the link.

Second Circuit Rules that President Trump’s Tax Returns Must be Furnished to New York Prosecutor

Posted on by November 4, 2019
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On November 4, the Second Circuit ruled that New York state prosecutors may have copies of President Trump’s tax returns for the last eight years. Trump v Vance, 19-3204. Here is the 34-page opinion. The decision is by Judge Robert Katzmann, a Clinton appointee. It is also signed by Judge Denny Chin, an Obama appointee; and Judge Christopher F. Droney, a Clinton appointee.

The New York prosecutor had been trying to get the tax returns from President Trump’s accountant. The case does not require President Trump himself to furnish the returns. It is expected that he will ask for U.S. Supreme Court involvement. Thanks to Political Wire for this news.

Maine Libertarian Ballot Access Case is Docketed

Posted on by November 4, 2019
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The Maine Libertarian Party ballot access case now has a docket number. The case is Baines v Dumlap, 1:19cv-509, assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Lance E. Walker, a Trump appointee. Last year Judge Walker upheld Maine’s ranked choice voting law after the Maine Republican Party sued to overturn it.

Here is the Complaint. It challenges the January deadline to qualify a new party, and the number of signatures that members of new and small qualified parties need to place themselves on the primary ballot. The statewide petition for primary candidates is 2,000 signatures of party members, regardless of how many registered members the party has.

U.S. Supreme Court Takes No Action on Alaska Campaign Finance Case

Posted on by November 4, 2019
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On November 1, the U.S. Supreme Court conference considered whether to hear Thompson v Hebdon, 19-122, a challenge to Alaska campaign limits on donations. On November 4, when the Court released news of its actions on November 1, nothing had been decided about Thompson v Hebdon. This shows the Court is thinking seriously about whether to take the case. It has now been put on the November 8 conference.