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Judge Upholds Constitutionality Of State Ballot Access Law

A federal judge says ballot access limits imposed last year on minor parties in Ohio do not violate the U.S. Constitution. Judge Michael Watson's decision is the latest blow to challengers of a 2013 law that set new, stiffer criteria for ballot access. Watson said a side party in the case, the American Civil Liberties Union, could not demonstrate a severe burden on third parties without a compelling state interest.  The decision came an ongoing lawsuit the Libertarian Party of Ohio filed challenging the law for its potential to help Republican Governor John Kasich fend off a tea party challenger last year.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
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