Texas Supreme Court says Dems can exclude Kucinich
AP/NY Times:
The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Texas to print presidential primary ballots without Democratic candidate Dennis Kucinich's name.I suspect the court said it was not a free speech case, but one involving freedom of association and setting the rules for that association. Kucinich is free to say what ever he wants, but to be on the Democrat primary ballot he has to agree to follow the rules of the party. It is also a good way to keep the kooks off their ballot. Willy is still free to write a song about it too.The court refused to step into a dispute between Kucinich and the Texas Democratic Party over a loyalty oath all candidates must sign to make the ballot.
Kucinich and singer-supporter Willie Nelson objected to the party oath that a presidential candidate must ''fully support'' the party's eventual nominee. Kucinich crossed out the oath when he filed for a spot on the primary ballot.
A federal judge in Austin ruled against Kucinich last week. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled the state party has the right to require the oath. Kucinich and Nelson argued it violated Kucinich's First Amendment right to free speech.
...
Comments
Post a Comment