An Iowa judge is weighing whether U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer can remain on the Democratic primary ballot after attorneys argued in court Wednesday about whether she submitted the proper papers to qualify.
Polk County District Judge Scott Beattie is expected to issue a written ruling in the next few days. But the loser is likely to appeal the decision to the Iowa Supreme Court — a fact not lost on Beattie.
"I understand that I am not the last word on this matter," he said in court Wednesday.
Finkenauer, a former U.S. representative, is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican. If she's thrown off the ballot, Democratic primary voters would be left to choose between retired Navy Admiral Mike Franken and Glenn Hurst, a physician and Minden city council member.
Finkenauer is perceived as the front-runner and has raised the most money on the Democratic side.
Republicans argued Finkenauer failed to properly qualify for the June 7 primary ballot because she did not submit enough valid signatures on her nominating petitions. A state panel found Finkenauer met the requirement.
In a statement Wednesday, Finkenauer called the challenge a "meritless attack."
"I am confident that our campaign has met every requirement to be on the ballot," she said.
Polk County District Judge Scott Beattie is expected to issue a written ruling in the next few days. But the loser is likely to appeal the decision to the Iowa Supreme Court — a fact not lost on Beattie.
"I understand that I am not the last word on this matter," he said in court Wednesday.
Finkenauer, a former U.S. representative, is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican. If she's thrown off the ballot, Democratic primary voters would be left to choose between retired Navy Admiral Mike Franken and Glenn Hurst, a physician and Minden city council member.
Finkenauer is perceived as the front-runner and has raised the most money on the Democratic side.
Republicans argued Finkenauer failed to properly qualify for the June 7 primary ballot because she did not submit enough valid signatures on her nominating petitions. A state panel found Finkenauer met the requirement.
In a statement Wednesday, Finkenauer called the challenge a "meritless attack."
"I am confident that our campaign has met every requirement to be on the ballot," she said.
Iowa judge to decide whether Abby Finkenauer can appear on Democratic primary ballot
Republicans argued Finkenauer failed to properly qualify for the June 7 primary ballot. A state panel found Finkenauer met the requirement.
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