In a last-ditch effort to get on the Hoosier state’s Republican Senate primary ballot, Indiana businessman John Rust has filed a lawsuit alleging he doesn’t meet voting record standards for candidacy under state law, according to Bright. First reported by Bart News. July.
Last filed a 15-page legal challenge Tuesday in Marion County Superior Court, filing a 15-page legal challenge with the Indiana State Board of Elections, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales and Jackson County Republican Party Chairman Amanda Lowery, according to a copy of the filing. was named as the defendant. published By the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
It argued that Indiana Code 3-8-2-7(a)(4) is “unconstitutionally vague and overbroad” and creates a “cycle of voter disenfranchisement.”
Indiana State Code 3-8-2-7 make it mandatory To qualify as a candidate for a political party, a candidate must have voted on that party’s ballot in the last two primaries in which they voted. The only way a candidate can appear on the ballot without meeting this criterion is for a precinct in their own county. The party chairman “certifies that the candidate is a member of that political party.”
Before the revised version of the law took effect in 2022, “candidates were required to vote in one Republican primary,” according to the Capital Chronicle.
Rust’s voting record, first reported by Breitbart News in July, shows him voting in Democratic primaries in 2008, 2010 and 2012, the final years of the second Bush administration. It is unclear which political party, if any, Mr. Last belonged to during 1997. Records show he voted in the Republican primary in 1996 and 2016.
The complaint says Lowry chose not to identify as a Republican after a July meeting because of his voting history.
“Mr. Lowry expressed concern about Mr. Rust’s past votes in Democratic primaries, and Mr. Rust said those votes were for people he knew personally through church and for pro-agriculture people. “,” the meeting’s submission said. He also claimed that he voted for Republican candidates in the general election.
Lowry Said of indianapolis star “The state law is very clear and applies equally to both major political parties,” he said Tuesday.
“I look forward to explaining my commitment to following Indiana law and protecting the sanctity of our election process, to the extent possible,” she added.
Rust, whose family founded Rose Acre Farms, the nation’s top egg production company, claims in a filing that he did not vote in the 2020 Republican primary because the date was changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. are doing. He also points out that many Republicans ran unopposed on the county’s ballot that year.
Even though Banks has already secured the influential backing and backing of former President Donald Trump, Rust is competing against outgoing Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) for the seat held by Jim Banks in the House of Representatives. He is seeking a long-term challenge to Congressman (R-Ind.). Brown, an Indiana Republican, is pursuing the Indiana governor’s seat.
“No one is trying to keep him from voting. He just thinks he’s above the law and can throw away money to buy a seat in the United States Senate,” Banks said. Ta. Star.
Breitbart News first reported in June that Rust, who suggested in an April tweet that she was opposed to Trump becoming the Republican presidential nominee, was considering running against Banks with her own funds. Reported. Banks and Trump allies, including Donald Trump Jr., Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, quickly doubled down on their support for Banks.
We don’t need a repeat of 2020.
— John Rust (@JohnRust_IN) April 18, 2023
Trump Jr. told Breitbart News: “Jim Banks is an incredibly strong America First conservative, and it’s hard to believe that establishment self-funders are even considering a challenge to him.” It’s unfortunate that there are.” “But don’t worry, MAGA will fight tooth and nail to make sure Jim wins against his wealthy RINO who has decided to take on Jim.”
The case is Rust vs. MoralesNo. 49D13-2309-PL-036487, Superior Court of Marion County, Indiana.
