Souder gets a Republican challenger

US Representative Mark Souder got two challengers yesterday.  Michael Montagano announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination.

However, Mr. Souder also picked up a Republican challenger .... at least for the time-being.

Scott Wise of Whitley County filed his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the 3rd District Congressional seat currently held by Mr. Souder.  Mr. Wise is a former Republican county council member; he was defeated for re-election in the 2006 Republican primary.

During the 2006 election cycle, Mr. Wise sought to become the Libertarian nominee for Congress.  However, the Indiana Secretary of State refused to certify a number of Libertarian nominees, including Mr. Wise, for inclusion on the 2006 general election ballot. (See the July 28, 2006 FWOb post).

Former Allen County Libertarian County Chair Mike Sylvester was the campaign manager of Mr. Wise's short-lived 2006 congressional candidacy. (See the July 13, 2006 FWOb post).

Mr. Wise may run into questions as to whether he may now run as a Republican given that he renounced his Republican party affiliation prior to pursuing his 2006 candidacy for Congress.

Whether or not Mr. Wise is permitted to run as a Republican may be up to a decision by Whitley County Republican Chair Jim Banks.  Under Indiana election law, a person last affiliated with another party due to a primary voting record may be permitted to run under a new party banner with the dispensation by the county chair.  Sincer Mr. Wise did vote in the last Republican primary - indeed he was a candidate in it - it is unclear whether the effect of Mr. Wise's renunciation two years ago will be to prevent him from running as a Republican this year.

More: Scott Wise weblog.

Comments

[Kevin Knuth]

Mitch,

in regards to federal candidates- can the county chair make that decision or is it up to the district chair?

Ed. note from Mitch Harper:

It would appear that under the provisions of IC 3-8-2 that it would be the county chair.

However, the point is probably moot in this case because one of the tests for party affiliation under IC 3-8-2-7 is the candidate's vote history for the last primary election. The statute is silent on the question of a candidate who may, in the interim, have become the candidate of another party.

That is, someone who may have voted in the last Democratic Party primary in Allen County and who, subsequently, got the permission of Steve Shine to fill a ballot vacancy on the Republican general election ticket, could turn around and run as a Democrat in the next primary election.

I think you would agree that perhaps the General Assembly may wish to consider legislation to close what appears to be a loophole.

[Kevin Knuth]

I agree!

[Jim Banks]

Thanks for informing me of this potential decision Mitch. I posted on this subject on Hoosier Access this afternoon asking readers to give me input on what they would do in this situation. Please chime in.

http://hoosieraccess.com/blog/2008/01/29/question-for-hoosier-access-readers-what-should-i-do/

[PHILLIP MARX]

Notice that the wording for 3-8-2-7 (4) says that party affiliation is established if ANY (not all) of the following apply, then goes on to list the three different qualifying criteria. Since Wise satisfies the first of these criteria, then it would seem that he qualifies. At least that's what the 2004 version says.

[Scott Wise]

I appreciate the give and take. I can see merit in arguments from both sides. I feel comfortable I meet the requirements as stated on the declaration of candidacy form. Regardless, anything can be challenged, especially when legal interpretations are involved. The rational thing is to let the Republican voters decide. I actually know many Republicans less than satisfied with the GOP.

I posted some information about my long personal affiliation with the GOP last night after watching the news.

http://votescottwise.wordpress.com/

The future of this country is what is important. I am not going away, and I will, god willing, give 3rd district voters a fresh perspective to consider.

Thanks for the opportunity to express myself.