Saturday, May 31, 2014

Reconsideration Requested in Michigan Socialist Party Ballot Access Case

31 May 2014

By Richard Winger
Ballot Access News

"On May 28, the plaintiff in the pending federal Michigan ballot access case, Matt Erard, filed for reconsideration in U.S. District Court. The chief issue is whether Michigan unconstitutionally discriminates against newly-qualifying parties, relative to old parties. The number of signatures required for new parties to get on the ballot is approximately twice the number of votes needed for old parties to remain on the ballot. Erard is a Socialist Party candidate, although technically the Socialist Party is not a co-plaintiff. The case is in the eastern district, 2:12cv-13627.

The request for reconsideration was made because the initial U.S. District Court decision of May 14, upholding the law, appears to have some factual errors, and also seems to overlook key precedents."

Read More

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Free Elections or Business as Usual: Los Angeles News Group or Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce?

11 May 2014

Scott Tucker
Truthdig

"Emidio “Mimi” Soltysik of the Socialist Party of the United States is running as a candidate for State Assembly in the 62nd District. I have attached his own statement (see below) explaining how he was invited to the Long Beach office of the Los Angeles News Group on May 8 for a group interview of the candidates in order to decide on an endorsement. Though not able to attend in person, he participated by teleconference. Far from being given equal time to state his views and public policy positions, Soltysik was cut off repeatedly...."

Read More