On December 20, U.S. District Court Judge Lee Yeakel, a Bush Jr. appointee, denied injunctive relief to the Texas Democratic Party, in Texas Democratic Party v Republican Party. The Democrats were trying to force the state to print Congressmember Blake Farenthold’s name on the Republican primary ballot. The Democrats then dismissed their lawsuit. Thanks to Jim Riley for this news.
On December 20, the Texas Democratic Party filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that the Secretary of State’s willingness to let the Republican Party drop Congressman Blake Farenthold from the primary ballot is unlawful. Texas Democratic Party v Republican Party of Texas and Secretary of State Pablos, w.d., 1:17cv-1186. Here is the Complaint. Thanks to Linda Curtis for the link.
On December 20, Richard “Oz” Griebel announced that he will be an independent candidate for Governor of Connecticut in 2018. See this story. It is conceivable he could become the nominee of the ballot-qualified Independent Party, but the story does not mention that possibility.
Here is the wikipedia page for him.
On December 20, the U.S. District Court that is handling the South Dakota ballot access case suggested that a trial could be held January 16-18, 2018. The issue is the March petition deadline for newly-qualifying parties. The court also suggested an alternate date in early February, but the judge prefers the January dates.
On December 19, Florida held a special election to fill the vacant State House seat, 58th district. According to this story, the Republican nominee, Lawrence McClure, was elected with 55%. Democrat Jose Vazquez received 34%. Ahmad Hussam Saadaldin, an independent candidate endorsed by the Green Party, polled 9% and carried one precinct. Libertarian Bryan Zemina polled 3%.
