Cong OH-15: Judge Rejects Morrison's Suit to Run as Independent

Yesterday U.S. District Judge George C. Smith ruled against erstwhile candidate Charles Morrison on his legal claim to be reinstated on the November ballot as an independent candidate in the 15th Congressional District. The judge agreed with Secretary of State Ken Blackwell (R-Cincinnati) that Morrison doesn't qualify as an independent because he voted in the GOP primary a day after submitting his nominating papers as an independent. He also was on the primary ballot as a candidate for state and county party central committees. Morrison will appeal, "to the United States Supreme Court if we have to."

County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Columbus) and Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Coumbus) are locked in a tight battle in the 15th District. The ultra-conservative Morrison's candidacy would probably siphon votes away from Pryce.