| Page 3716

Briefing Schedule Set in South Carolina Republican Lawsuit on Open Primary

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Richard WingerJanuary 12, 2014

The Fourth Circuit has set a briefing schedule in Greenville County Republican Party v Greenville County Election Commission, 13-2170. This is the lawsuit filed by the Greenville County Republican Party, which wants to nominate its candidates in a primary that is only open to Republicans. The party’s brief is due January 27, 2014; the government’s response is due February 28; the party’s reply brief is due March 14.

The somewhat similar case filed by the Hawaii Democratic Party, pending in the Ninth Circuit, is not as far along as the South Carolina case. The Ninth Circuit still hasn’t made a determination that the Hawaii lawsuit can’t be settled by arbitration.

Ohio Attorney General, in Past, Has Suggested Law Banning False Campaign Statements has Constitutional Problems

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Richard WingerJanuary 12, 2014

As noted on January 10, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that challenges Ohio’s law that makes it illegal to make a false statement in an election campaign. According to this Columbus Dispatch story, in the recent past, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has said in legal briefs that the Ohio law has constitutional problems. Yet, now it is his duty to defend the law. It is conceivable that the 2014 legislature might repeal or amend the law before the case is heard, however. Probably the U.S. Supreme Court hearing will be in April 2014.

Cleveland Plain Dealer Applauds Ohio U.S. District Court Ruling of January 7 that Put Minor Parties on Ballot

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Richard WingerJanuary 12, 2014

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has this editorial, praising the U.S. District Court decision of January 7 that put Ohio’s minor parties back on the ballot for 2014.

Republican Party May Use Convention to Choose U.S. House Nominee in Open Virginia Seat

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Richard WingerJanuary 12, 2014

Republican Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia is retiring, so his 10th district seat is open this year. The Republican Party’s 10th Congressional District Committee will decide on January 23 whether to nominate someone this year by convention or by primary. See this story.

Oklahoma Bill to Provide that Each U.S. House District Elect its Own Presidential Elector

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Richard WingerJanuary 12, 2014

Oklahoma State Senator Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) has introduced SB 1238. It provides that each U.S. House district would elect its own presidential elector. Nebraska and Maine currently use that system. Thanks to Richard Prawdzienski for this news.