On April 26, the Missouri Senate Financial, Government Organization & Elections Committee passed HB 894, by a vote of 3-2. The 3 Republicans voted “Yes”; the 2 Democrats voted “No.” That is unusual, since the sponsor is a Democrat.

HB 894 requires all independent candidates to file a declaration of candidacy in March. The bill doesn’t even exclude presidential independents. That part of the bill is definitely unconstitutional, under the 1983 U.S. Supreme Court decision Anderson v Celebrezze. Furthermore, the so-called rationale, to treat all candidates equally (in Missouri, members of qualified parties must file in March to run in the August primary) will not be realized. New party petitions aren’t due until late July, and neither this bill or any other bill proposes to require the candidates of new parties to file any declaration of candidacy in March.

The bill has already passed the House. Thanks to Ken Bush for this news.

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.