RFK Jr.'s name to remain on Wisconsin presidential ballots, judge rules

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Dane County judge has rejected Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s request to remove his name from Wisconsin ballots.

In court Monday, both sides laid out arguments on the latest effort by the Kennedy campaign to remove or cover up former independent candidate RFK Jr.'s name with a sticker on November's presidential ticket.

Dane County Judge Stephen Ehlke based his ruling on a state law that does not allow candidates who filed nomination papers to withdraw their candidacy this close to an election.

"The bottom line here is that Mr. Kennedy has no one to blame but himself if he didn't want to be on the ballot," Ehlke said. "He either knew or should have known [state law] is clear regarding the mandatory nature of inclusion on the ballot."

Some counties have already sent ballots to voters as they face a Wednesday deadline to have ballots printed and in the hands of local clerks.

Many election officials stressed in depositions the challenges to altering ballots just weeks out from the November contest.

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said they have over 26,000 requests for absentee ballots that must be put in the mail this week.

The lawsuit is now likely headed to a conservative appeals court in Waukesha County. Kennedy asked the 2nd District Court of Appeals to consider the case last week pending Ehlke's decision.

The case could ultimately be decided by the state Supreme Court, which is controlled by liberals.

Kennedy suspended his campaign in August and endorsed former President Donald Trump.

He has since sued in many battleground states, that could decide the outcome, to remove his name on the ballot.

Last month, the bipartisan state Elections Commission rejected Kenney's request citing state law that prevents presidential candidates from rescinding their nomination unless they die.