On January 17, the 5th circuit refused to grant an injunction to force the Texas Democratic Party to list Dennis Kucinich on its presidential primary ballot. Kucinich will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. Kucinich refused to sign the oath that the party requires, that all candidates will “fully support” the party’s eventual presidential nominee. Kucinich v Texas Democratic Party, 08-50038. The three judges who denied the request for an injunction are Jacques Wiener and Emilio Garza (Bush Sr. appointees) and Edward Prado (a Bush Jr. appointee).

The Party for Socialism and Liberation is expected to announce a presidential and vice-presidential nominee sometime on January 17. This party has never had any nominees for public office in the past, and is only a few years old. Some of its members were formerly members of the Workers World Party. UPDATE: the announcement will come on January 18.

Kansas holds presidential caucuses, instead of primaries. However, presidential candidates who wish to be considered for a Kansas caucus must file with the state party.

The Republican Kansas caucus filing deadline was January 9, and Duncan Hunter did not file. Republicans who did file are Giuliani, Huckabee, Keyes, McCain, Paul, Romney, and Thompson.

Democrats have until January 21 to file for the Kansas Democratic caucus. Those who have done so already are Clinton, Edwards, Obama and Richardson.