Wednesday, June 29, 2011
10:55 AM
Tate calls Nygren appeal a 'joke'
State Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate today called John Nygren’s appeal to get on the ballot in the 30th SD recall election a “joke,” noting the GOP lawmaker didn’t even bother to sign his own nomination papers.
Meanwhile, Nygren's attorney argues that while he didn't sign the nomination papers as an elector, his signature on one of the documents for circulating it should count toward the 400 he needs to be on the ballot.
"This is a joke; 400 signatures is not hard to get" Tate said in a conference call with reporters.
The GAB unanimously ruled Monday that the Marinette Republican had 398 valid signatures, leaving him two short of the threshold to challenge Hansen. Nygren has appealed the decision to both the GAB and the Dane County court.
In addition to filing an appeal in Dane County court, Nygren has asked the Government Accountability Board to reconsider its decision, arguing the body did not take enough time during its first review to adequately consider the issues at hand.
Nygren is also now asking the GAB to count his signature on the nomination papers as a circulator.
Circulators are required to sign the nomination papers they use to collect signatures from electors and have to pledge to support the candidacy of the candidate listed on the documents.
Nygren circulated page eight of his nomination papers, according to a letter to GAB Director Kevin Kennedy.
Nygren attorney Eric McLeod argues the information included with the Republican’s signature as a circulator meet the requirements under state law and administrative code for those who sign the papers as electors.
“Moreover, Rep. Nygren’s certification that he intends to support his own candidacy stands as the substantial compliance the GAB’s regulations require,” McLeod argues.
Nygren’s campaign argued in a separate letter that a signer who mistakenly listed his work address, which is outside of the district, should still be counted. Between his signature and Nygren’s as a circulator, McLeod argues, the Republican has at a minimum the 400 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.
In the past, the GAB has not counted the signatures of circulators toward the required number of signatures from electors.
-- By Andy Szal
Labels: 2011 recall elections
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