| Judge denies candidate's petition to get on ballot
October 1, 2008: A Missoula woman who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate may not get back on the ballot.
Patty Lovaas believes that Montana Republicans did not intend to select Bob Kelleher as their nominee. So, she sued in federal court to be allowed on the ballot as an independent.
But on Tuesday, Judge Sam Haddon of Butte denied her petition ruling that since she first ran in a party primary, state law bars her from the November ballot.
"I think it's an absolute travesty. And I don't think he considered the argument," said Lovaas in reaction to the ruling. "So, what we have here is two Democratic socialists, no discussion of the issues, questionable ability for either one of them to do the service that is needed."
Lovaas now is asking the Montana Secretary of State to allow her to register as a write-in candidate. But, that deadline for that passed last Friday.[1]
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