Question about independent candidates

[proud2BlibKansan]

Several DUers have stated that if any candidate does not get his/her party's nomination, they are prohibited in many states from then running in the general as an independent.

Is this true? Where can I find this? I Googled but didn't find anything.

Thanks.

[Dhalgren]

1. I've never heard that...

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

2. Nah... that wouldn't even be legal.

You can't disqualify yourself from running for office just because you competed in the primary of a party. Essentially, the party would be stripping you of your civil right to seek the office, and they can't do that.

(Just ask Joe Lieberman!)

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. That's what I thought

but several DUers - in the multiple Ron Paul threads - have said it is against the law in several states for him to run as an independent.

So I guess they were just talking out of their asses. LOL No surprise.

[Occam Bandage]

12. Well, there have been legal challenges. LaRouche won a case vs. Ohio, causing them to amend

their law to specifically apply to Presidential candidates. There's very little precedent for challenges, though.

[comradebillyboy]

3. election laws vary from state to state

one would need to look at the laws in each state as the US Constitution gives the states wide latitude in this area.

[rucky]

5. I think so, because Perot had to form a party when he ran.

The Reform party, was it?

[CK_John]

6. Some states that have open primaries, do not allow a second bite at the apple in an election cycle.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. Not that I don't believe you but do you have a link?

The Ron Paul groupies have invaded one of my email groups and I would LOVE to shut them down with this little factoid. Thanks :hi:

[CK_John]

8. Just the library in the back of my head. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. LOL Thanks for checking!!

Now close that door or your brain will get cold. :hi:

[CK_John]

10. You think I'm lying and so I should do your google research. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

13. No I don't think you are lying

I was making a joke. Sorry if you misunderstood.

[CK_John]

15. Sorry I misunderstood your reply. My brain predates google or transistors. n/t

[Occam Bandage]

11. Four states have sore-loser laws: SD, MI, OH, TX

(Your problem was probably that you didn't remember the exact terminology.)

http://www.ballot-access.org/2007/01/12/sore-loser-laws-dont-generally-apply-to-presidential-candidates/

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. Oh how sweet of you - thanks

Even if this is only 4 states, can ANY candidate win without Ohio - and Texas??

Doesn't seem like it.

[Occam Bandage]

16. For a Republican especially, those are killers.

SD's 3 are kinda pointless, and MI is probably going to break Dem again anyway, but without Texas' 34 votes (2nd-highest) and OH's 20, Paul would have a long way to go.

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. The RP groupies on my email list said yesterday:

"We are going to carry Ron Paul on our shoulders into the White House"

They honestly believe nothing will stop him from taking the presidency.

So I will ask them how he can win without 54 electoral votes. Thanks again for the link!