Politics & Government

State Democrats Want GOP 'Protest' Candidates Off Recall Ballot

In a move that surprises no one because it was announced the other day, Jeremy Levinson, attorney for the state Democratic Party, has filed a formal complaint with the state Government Accountability Board over the GOP's "protest" candidates.

Well, it's officially a complaint now.

The Associated Press is reporting that Jeremy Levinson, attorney for state Democrats, has filed a formal complaint with the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board over the state GOP running "protest" candidates in the upcoming recall elections.

Levinson wants the six candidates — four in the state Senate recalls as well as governor and lieutenant governor contests — removed from the ballot because he claims when they really aren't.

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Levinson says the "protest" candidates — including Tamra Varebrook in Racine County for the 21st Senate District — are just a way for the Republicans to manipulate the elections. Republicans say they're running the "fake Democrats" to keep Democrats from dictating the scheduling of elections.

But Levinson's argument also includes charges of disenfranchisement.

Find out what's happening in Mount Pleasant-Sturtevantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Since people can sign only one candidate's nomination paper per office, anyone who signed a fake Democrat's papers lost an opportunity to nominate a legitimate Democrat," he is quoted as saying.

Ben Sparks, spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said the GAB was well aware of and still allowed the six "protest" candidates on the ballot.

As for what the GAB will do, Reid Magney, spokesman for the agency, said any challenges will be taken up at Tuesday's board meeting.


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