The New York Daily News has this editorial, attacking the Independence Party of New York state. This particular newspaper has been running such attacks on the party for several years.

The New York Independence Party functioned as the New York state affiliate of the Reform Party between 1996 and early 2000. In 2000, the New York party cut its ties to the national Reform Party and nominated John Hagelin for President. In 2004 it nominated Ralph Nader for President. In 2008 it nominated John McCain for President, and in 2012 it had no presidential nominee. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link.

The U.S. District Court Judge who is hearing the Ohio Libertarian Party primary ballot access has requested that the Ohio Republican Party state chair testify, presumably on Monday, March 17. Probably the testimony will try to determine the links between the Republican Party and the three challengers who challenged the Libertarian statewide primary petitions.

On March 12, a Subcommittee of the Tennessee House Local Government Committee passed HB 958, which is authored by Representative Jason Powell (D-Nashville). The bill lowers the number of signatures for a newly-qualifying party from 2.5% of the last gubernatorial vote (over 40,000 signatures) to exactly 2,500 signatures. A group that submitted that petition would remain ballot-qualified for two elections.

A similar bill in the Senate, SB 1091, has a hearing in the Senate State and Local Government Committee on February 18.