On April 26, qualifying closed for Georgia’s special congressional election in the 10th district, set for June. As expected, Dr. Jim Sendelbach, a Libertarian, qualified, since no petition is required in special elections (just a filing fee). Also qualifying were 6 Republicans and 3 Democrats. The party labels will be next to each candidate’s name on the ballot.

This will be the first U.S. House election in Georgia with a third party candidate on the ballot, with a party label, since 1942. Starting in 1943, Georgia began requiring a 5% petition for minor party and independent candidates, except in special elections. And in special elections, until very recently, party labels weren’t printed on ballots.

The New York Times article of April 26 lists all ten candidates by name and party affiliation. It is somewhat unusual for that newspaper to mention minor party candidates for Congress.

On April 26, the Washington State Supreme Court unanimously ruled that when radio talk show hosts support an initiative on their show, they are not subject to campaign disclosure requirements. The lower court had ruled that since two radio talk show hosts had vigorously supported the “No New Gas Tax” initiative, their commentary constituted a contribution to the organization supporting that initiative. The State Supreme Court construed the state’s campaign law to mean that the talk show commentary falls under the “press” exemption. The case is San Juan County v No New Gas Tax, 77966-0. Thanks to Brad Smith for this news.

On April 25, the Vermont Senate passed SB 108 on 2nd reading by a vote of 15-13. It provides that starting in 2008, Instant-Runoff Voting would be used for the U.S. House race. It will probably pass on 3rd reading on April 26.

The Vermont legislature sits until mid-May, so there is probably time for this bill to be considered by the Vermont House. Thanks to Ed Still for this news.