Effort to bounce Nader from Washington ballot fails

Thu., Sept. 16, 2004

Associated Press

OLYMPIA – Ralph Nader remains on the November presidential ballot in Washington state despite an effort to block him.

A Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday that the secretary of state’s office correctly followed state law when officials put Nader on the ballot two weeks ago.

The state Democratic party and an Olympia court attorney had sued in Thurston County Superior Court to block Nader from the general election ballot.

Many people believe Nader cost Al Gore the presidential election in 2000 by siphoning off progressive votes in swing states, and some Democrats are worried it will happen again this year to Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.

State Democratic parties have been fighting aggressively to keep Nader off the November ballot. Nader has accused Democrats of bringing frivolous lawsuits to stifle his candidacy.

“We are glad to be on the ballot and we hope Democrats will engage us on the issues and stop denying voters the choice of Ralph Nader,” said Nader campaign spokesman Kevin Zeese.

Zeese said Nader has won a ballot spot in 35 states, though 12 of those have been challenged in court.

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Effort to bounce Nader from Washington ballot fails

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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