The refusal of the Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear a challenge from Democrats has secured the position of Green Party candidate Jill Stein on the ballot in this crucial swing state. David Strange, an employee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), brought forth a challenge to have Stein removed from the Wisconsin ballot. However, the State Supreme Court stated that Strange was not entitled to the relief he sought.
The court’s unsigned order stated, “We determine that the petitioner is not entitled to the relief he seeks,” without providing further explanation for its decision.
Strange argued that Stein should not be on the ballot in Wisconsin because the Green Party does not have any state officeholders or “legislative candidates authorized to nominate presidential electors,” according to the Associated Press. Strange had challenged a Wisconsin Elections Commission decision in February that granted the Green Party ballot access. The commission did so due to a candidate from the party winning more than 1% of the vote in a statewide race in 2022, which fulfilled a requirement under the law. Sheryl McFarland got nearly 1.6% of the vote while finishing last in a four-way race for secretary of state.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to certify which candidates can appear on the ballot. Democrats are also challenging the placement of independent candidate Cornel West on the ballot. A Republican National Committee employee is challenging independent Shiva Ayyadurai’s candidacy.
Democrats fear that a strong third-party candidate could siphon votes from their presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in her matchup against Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump. DNC spokesperson Adrienne Watson called the decision “disappointing.” Stein, however, praised the decision, stating that the Green Party “beat back the DNC’s attack.” Michael White, co-chair of the Wisconsin Green Party, called the move the “mark of fear by the Democratic Party.
Speaking with Breitbart News, Stein accused Democrats of shutting down political competition. I think we need to rename the Democratic Party. It’s actually the ‘Anti-Democratic Party,’ and I have had trouble with both of the organized parties — I wouldn’t leave Republicans out of this either — but focusing on the Democrats here, they are pulling out all the stops to, basically, to shut out political competition,” Stein said.
In related news, Paul Roland Bois directed the award-winning Christian tech thriller, Exemplum, which has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic rating and can be viewed for free on YouTube or Tubi. A high-quality, ad-free rental can also be streamed on Google Play, Vimeo on Demand, or YouTube Movies. Follow him on Twitter @prolandfilms or Instagram @prolandfilms.