Circuit Judge Mark Barnett has ruled that Charlie Johnson of rural Madison should be allowed to run for the state senate in District 8. Secretary of State Jason Gant had ruled Johnson would not be allowed on the ballot because of errors on his nominating petition. Johnson says he is very happy with the decision…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/05/Charlie-Johnson-521a.mp3|titles=Charlie Johnson 521a]Johnson says he hopes the decision helps other candidates get on the ballot…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/05/Charlie-Johnson-521b.mp3|titles=Charlie Johnson 521b]Johnson says he is ready to get his campaign ramped up…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/05/Charlie-Johnson-521c.mp3|titles=Charlie Johnson 521c]Gant released a statement saying “The law only allows the Secretary of State to see in terms of black and white. The court has the luxury of looking at the nuances in shades of grey. “Had we approved these documents, we would have likely faced legal challenges over their acceptance. “Today’s ruling places Charlie Johnson on the ballot as a candidate for District 8 State Senate representing the Democratic Party. Our office has no plans to appeal Judge Barnett’s ruling, and we thank him for his decision.” District 8 includes Sanborn and Miner Counties.
(courtesy WNAX Yankton)