Kucinich Back in Court, This Time Over Texas Ballot Access
Updated: Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich appears to be getting as much attention for his recent legal efforts as he is for his political views.
Kucinich is teaming up with country music star Willie Nelson in an effort to bar enforcement of a loyalty oath requirement that is keeping the Ohio congressman off the Texas ballot.
Supported by Nelson, Kucinich has filed an application for review with Justice Antonin Scalia, who rules on emergency applications from the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, SCOTUSblog reports. The 5th Circuit refused to intervene in the case.
Kucinich crossed out a line on filing papers that required him to swear that he would “fully support the Democratic nominee for president, whoever that shall be.” He contends the oath violates his First Amendment rights.
Texas says it must start printing absentee ballots on Saturday, according to the Washington Post blog, The Trail.
Ballot Access News posted Kucinich’s emergency request (PDF).
Kucinich sued earlier this week in an unsuccessful effort to gain access to a televised debate.
Updated at 12:30 p.m. CT to add a link to the emergency application.
