Comments on: 5th Circuit Says Libertarian Louisiana Ballot Access Case is Moot

By: Mark Brown

Mark Brown — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:05:14 +0000

The date, September 2, was reasonable but for the fact that the State was closed (because of Hurricane Gustav) when the qualifying papers were due. The Governor extended the deadline to September 12, which both the Libertarians and Socialists satisfied. The Secretary of State, however, which reopened on September 8, insisted that qualifying papers be in by the end of that day. This was coincidentally the same day the Republican candidate qualified. In any event, it was not possible to file “on time” because the office was officially closed.

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:20:28 +0000

The Republican national convention in 2008 was Sep. 1-4. All the states that had earlier deadlines changed their laws to make sure the Republicans would be OK, despite their late convention.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:04:22 +0000

Was the date to file unreasonably early? I read the latest decision and it said the deadline was in early September. A month before the election seems reasonable since the conventions are usually in the summer. The lesson learned here seems to be that you should file your papwework on time. Leave the legal challenges to the real issues like having to get 10-20 more signatures than Democrats or Republicans to get on the ballot. Or only have a short time in which to gather those signatures.