California Appellate Court Ruling on Vince Fong's Candidacy

SOURCE www.yahoo.com
California appellate court ruled that Bakersfield Republican Vince Fong can legally appear on the November ballot in two different races, despite attempts to keep him out of the congressional primary. The decision will create a strange ballot in November and an even stranger possible outcome in the San Joaquin Valley.

Key Points

  • Vince Fong filed to run for reelection to the state Assembly and for the newly vacant seat in Congress.
  • The Sacramento County judge and the 3rd District Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Fong's candidacy for the congressional seat.
  • Fong's campaign argued that the election law provision restricting candidates from running for multiple offices is invalid since the state's new primary system was approved by voters in 2010.
  • Two bills have been introduced in the state Assembly to address the confusion and clarify the rules for candidates running for multiple offices.

Pros

  • Vince Fong can legally appear on the November ballot in two different races.
  • The decision upholds the integrity of elections and provides voters with a real choice.

Cons

  • The decision may lead to chaos, gamesmanship, and voter disenfranchisement according to Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
  • It disadvantages other candidates who are not running for multiple offices.