DES MOINES, Iowa — November ballots will now look a little different.
On Wednesday, a state objection panel decided to remove Iowa's three Libertarian congressional candidates from the ballot: Marco Battaglia, Charles Aldrich and Nicholas Glubas.
Attorney General Brenna Bird and Secretary of State Paul Pate, who are both Republicans, voted to remove them while Democrat State Auditor Rob Sand dissented.
“They were just relying on their ability to exert power knowing that they had two of the votes on a three person panel,” Sand said.
Bird did not respond to Local 5’s requests for comment while Pate sent in the following statement:
“It is always unfortunate to have to turn anyone away, and I commend anyone for putting their name in and running for elected office. I have an immense respect for the passion we see displayed from political parties and the candidates.
During my time as Secretary of State I have participated in the objections panel process several times over the years, and as a result we have had to make decisions in favor of and against each of Iowa’s major parties, Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians alike. In the name of transparent, safe, and secure elections, it is the objection panel’s role to apply the information we are given to enforce Iowa Code to the best of our ability. That’s what we each did today.”
The attorney who brought forth the case argued that the Libertarian Party broke Iowa code because it didn’t have its county conventions at least a day after the caucus. The Libertarian Party of Iowa held its party convention, county conventions and caucus all on the same day.
“I disagree that we didn't follow the correct procedures,” Libertarian Party of Iowa Chair Jules Cutler said. “I believe these were technical issues, and I don't believe that there is any legitimate reason for the legislature to dictate how and when we conduct our party business.”
Cutler believes Republicans were worried the Libertarian candidates would take away their voters in several tight races.
“I believe Republicans are very concerned about the fact that the vote is going to be split, regardless of the fact that there's no evidence that our candidates take more votes from Republicans,” Cutler said.
Cutler is already working on filing an appeal with the Polk County District Court. She understands that time is of the essence, with the election less than 70 days away, and she plans on filing her appeal as soon as possible.
Local 5 reached out to all three of the now-removed candidates.
Battaglia, who was running for the 3rd district, was the only one to respond, and he sent the following statement:
“Secretary Pate and Attorney General Bird abused their power and did their parties bidding to keep competition off of the ballot. This is not right but I accept it for what it is. I am getting back to campaigning and I will do so until the last vote is cast.”
Local 5 also reached out to Alan Ostergren, the attorney that brought forth this case to the panel, and he didn’t respond either.