Evers criticizes Dean Phillips ballot challenge in Wisconsin

 

 MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers is criticizing an effort by a Democratic presidential candidate who's seeking to be included on Wisconsin's primary ballot.

Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday after top Democrats decided to exclude his name on the April 2 primary ballot.

Justices have asked the state Elections Commission to respond to Phillips' complaint by Wednesday afternoon.

Last month, the state's Presidential Preference Selection Committee approved a list of seven candidates submitted by state party chairs to appear on the primary ballot. President Joe Biden was the only Democratic candidate approved along with six Republicans, including former President Donald Trump.

Evers, who's backing Biden, called Phillip's complaint "ridiculous' and suggested it's a distraction.

"I think the party can figure it out. I can't believe this is going to court. It seems ridiculous to me," Evers told reporters Tuesday. "But, to me it looks like the [committee] followed the process. I don't know what his position will be in court but it's just another distraction, frankly."

Phillips is running a longshot bid to defeat President Joe Biden. He's the only Democrat who's seeking a challenge to the incumbent.

His complaint alleges the Elections Commission and the committee "abused their discretion" by refusing to place him on the April 2 ballot after he requested his name to be included.

The committee has the sole power to determine which candidates appear on the ballot. They use certain criteria to make those decisions, such as which parties receive at least 10% of the vote in recent statewide elections and determine which candidates are recognized by news outlets.

Philips' lawsuit cited how he received nearly 20% of the vote during the New Hampshire primary, behind Biden's 63.9%. He also argued his case by providing poll numbers in a series of national Democratic primary surveys.

Phillips is asking the court to respond to the case no later than February 9. It comes as election officials will soon face deadlines to send absentee ballots and other materials to voters.