Once again, third parties are forced to go to court to gain access to the ballots in various states. An article by Melanie Bengtson, an intern with the First Amendment Center Online, reports that “presidential ballot-access lawsuits have been filed in at least eight states this year. Two candidates stand out among dozens of third-party candidates — Libertarian Party nominee Bob Barr and Ralph Nader, a presidential campaign veteran running as an independent.”
Barr and the Libertarian Party have ballot access lawsuits pending in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and West Virginia. In the Massachusetts lawsuit, the Libertarian Party will be represented by the ACLU of Massachusetts. The lawsuit in Tennessee was filed jointly in January by the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, and the Constitution Party. Ralph Nader is expected to file suite in Idaho.
Adds Bengtson:
Former Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, the American Independent Party’s Alan Keyes, and the Ohio Socialist Party and have also filed ballot-access lawsuits this presidential election year.
http://thirdpartywatch.com/2008/08/25/third-party-candidates-take-ballot-access-fights-to-court/
Monday, August 25, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
House debates religious schools’ labor union role
BY ROBERT SWIFT
HARRISBURG BUREAU CHIEF
Published: Tuesday, August 19, 2008
HARRISBURG — The showdown over a union for teachers in the Diocese of Scranton shifted Monday to a Capitol hearing room.
A bill giving lay teachers and employees of private religious schools the right to join collective bargaining units was debated for five hours at a House Labor Relations Committee hearing.
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-121, introduced the measure several months ago as members of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers picketed and staged work stoppages to protest a diocese decision not to recognize them as a collective bargaining unit.
The labor dispute came after the restructuring process in 2006-07 that reduced the number of schools in the Diocese of Scranton. The diocese announced last January it would not recognize the diocese association and announced instead the formation of employee relations councils.
Bill’s provisions
Mr. Pashinski’s bill would allow lay teachers and employees at religious schools to decide by a majority vote in a secret ballot if they want to be represented by a union. Unions in religious schools could bring grievances to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board under the bill. The board would be prohibited from issuing decisions that define or interpret a religious school’s doctrine or change a religious school’s organizational structure.
Mr. Pashinski told panel members he hopes to strike a balance between employee rights and the protection of religious doctrines through the legislation.
Representatives of both sides in the Scranton education dispute — the teachers association and top diocesan officials — staked out opposing positions on the legislation.
Key themes in the testimony involve extending the constitutional right of assembly to religious school teachers, carrying out the mission of Catholic education and maintaining separation between church and state.
Milz testifies
In his testimony, Michael Milz, the diocese association president, said enactment of the legislation will give association members access to the right of association and freedom of speech.
“We ask for the same rights as all workers, nothing more and nothing less,” he added. “We ask for your relief.”
Diocesan officials cited the need to protect the identity of Catholic schools as one reason for their opposition to the bill.
The bill is unnecessary and dangerous, said Mary Tigue, assistant superintendent of schools.
“When you insert yourself into the life of a Catholic school as this legislation does, it is going to cause problems,” she added.
Several members of the evangelical community spoke against the legislation as well. They said it’s difficult to draw a distinction as the bill does between church officials and lay teachers at many private religious schools.
The bill will harm the wall of separation between church and state and undercut the authority of church schools, said Gregory Reed, who described himself as a lay person in an evangelical community in Snyder County.
The committee will hold additional hearings on the bill in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/articles/2008/08/19/news/sc_times_trib.20080819.a.pg3.tt19union_s1.1886367_top6.txt
HARRISBURG BUREAU CHIEF
Published: Tuesday, August 19, 2008
HARRISBURG — The showdown over a union for teachers in the Diocese of Scranton shifted Monday to a Capitol hearing room.
A bill giving lay teachers and employees of private religious schools the right to join collective bargaining units was debated for five hours at a House Labor Relations Committee hearing.
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-121, introduced the measure several months ago as members of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers picketed and staged work stoppages to protest a diocese decision not to recognize them as a collective bargaining unit.
The labor dispute came after the restructuring process in 2006-07 that reduced the number of schools in the Diocese of Scranton. The diocese announced last January it would not recognize the diocese association and announced instead the formation of employee relations councils.
Bill’s provisions
Mr. Pashinski’s bill would allow lay teachers and employees at religious schools to decide by a majority vote in a secret ballot if they want to be represented by a union. Unions in religious schools could bring grievances to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board under the bill. The board would be prohibited from issuing decisions that define or interpret a religious school’s doctrine or change a religious school’s organizational structure.
Mr. Pashinski told panel members he hopes to strike a balance between employee rights and the protection of religious doctrines through the legislation.
Representatives of both sides in the Scranton education dispute — the teachers association and top diocesan officials — staked out opposing positions on the legislation.
Key themes in the testimony involve extending the constitutional right of assembly to religious school teachers, carrying out the mission of Catholic education and maintaining separation between church and state.
Milz testifies
In his testimony, Michael Milz, the diocese association president, said enactment of the legislation will give association members access to the right of association and freedom of speech.
“We ask for the same rights as all workers, nothing more and nothing less,” he added. “We ask for your relief.”
Diocesan officials cited the need to protect the identity of Catholic schools as one reason for their opposition to the bill.
The bill is unnecessary and dangerous, said Mary Tigue, assistant superintendent of schools.
“When you insert yourself into the life of a Catholic school as this legislation does, it is going to cause problems,” she added.
Several members of the evangelical community spoke against the legislation as well. They said it’s difficult to draw a distinction as the bill does between church officials and lay teachers at many private religious schools.
The bill will harm the wall of separation between church and state and undercut the authority of church schools, said Gregory Reed, who described himself as a lay person in an evangelical community in Snyder County.
The committee will hold additional hearings on the bill in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/articles/2008/08/19/news/sc_times_trib.20080819.a.pg3.tt19union_s1.1886367_top6.txt
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Constitution Party candidate enters Pennsylvania U.S. House race
August 5th, 2008
Pennsylvania’s Bucks County Courier Times reports farmer Jay Russell has entered the state’s Eighth U.S. House District race as the Constitution Party candidate. The newspaper says Russell “has run for a series of offices, including state representative, township supervisor and county commissioner” over the past 15 years, “but has never won an election.” Russell said he “knew he had little chance to win in November. ‘Miracles happen, but the odds are against me,’ Russell said. ‘I want to give people a real choice.’” Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy is seeking re-election; Republican Tom Manion and independent Tom Lingenfelter, who briefly ran for lieutenant governor as Libertarian Russ Diamond’s running mate in 2006, are also in the race.
http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2008/08/constitution-party-candidate-enters-pennsylvania-us-house-race/
Pennsylvania’s Bucks County Courier Times reports farmer Jay Russell has entered the state’s Eighth U.S. House District race as the Constitution Party candidate. The newspaper says Russell “has run for a series of offices, including state representative, township supervisor and county commissioner” over the past 15 years, “but has never won an election.” Russell said he “knew he had little chance to win in November. ‘Miracles happen, but the odds are against me,’ Russell said. ‘I want to give people a real choice.’” Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy is seeking re-election; Republican Tom Manion and independent Tom Lingenfelter, who briefly ran for lieutenant governor as Libertarian Russ Diamond’s running mate in 2006, are also in the race.
http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2008/08/constitution-party-candidate-enters-pennsylvania-us-house-race/
Dan Frank is running for U.S. Congress 16th District
For Immediate Release August 5, 2008
Contact: Dan Frank (danf@danfrankforcongress.com)
(717) 380-3727
Lancaster, PA - Constitution Party member Dan Frank is announcing his candidacy for U.S. Congress in the 16th Congressional District. Dan and his volunteers have collected signatures from residents of the Lancaster area in support of his nomination. Individuals and several local organizations have responded with support and substantial signatures more than sufficient to place him on the ballot for the November 4, 2008 general election. The Constitution Party is America's fastest-growing and largest third party based on voter registrations (Ballot Access News).
A former Republican, Dan, like many, realized that the difference between the two parties is getting harder to distinguish each year. "The GOP, the so-called conservative party, has racked up record spending deficits, refused to secure our borders, increased government intrusion, and sponsors policies that send jobs off-shore," Dan continues, "while the Democrats, the so-called party of the working man, have shown many of the same characteristics, which of course coincide with the party's mantra of more taxes and big government." The latest NBC/WSJ poll has Congress's job approval rating at 13 percent.
Dan Frank sees these underlining issues along with elitism in Washington D.C. as motivations to run for office. According to Dan, "Keeping jobs in America is my top priority." He adds, "I have spoken with many in this area that are concerned of losing their jobs, or have lost jobs, and now an economy in turmoil has rightfully elevated their concerns. It is obvious to me only multi-national corporations and special interest are represented in D.C., not all citizens." Dan has made a pledge, which he intends on keeping, that if elected, his votes will have to meet the Constitutionality threshold and benefit all citizens, not a selected few. In addition, he will only serve four terms.
Dan has also spoken out on property rights, gun ownership, and sovereignty, as well as advocating free-market in energy.
More information about Dan Frank and his campaign can be found on his website, http://www.danfrankforcongress.com. This site includes biographical information about Dan and a calendar of upcoming events, as well as his position on many of the important issues.
Contact: Dan Frank (danf@danfrankforcongress.com)
(717) 380-3727
Lancaster, PA - Constitution Party member Dan Frank is announcing his candidacy for U.S. Congress in the 16th Congressional District. Dan and his volunteers have collected signatures from residents of the Lancaster area in support of his nomination. Individuals and several local organizations have responded with support and substantial signatures more than sufficient to place him on the ballot for the November 4, 2008 general election. The Constitution Party is America's fastest-growing and largest third party based on voter registrations (Ballot Access News).
A former Republican, Dan, like many, realized that the difference between the two parties is getting harder to distinguish each year. "The GOP, the so-called conservative party, has racked up record spending deficits, refused to secure our borders, increased government intrusion, and sponsors policies that send jobs off-shore," Dan continues, "while the Democrats, the so-called party of the working man, have shown many of the same characteristics, which of course coincide with the party's mantra of more taxes and big government." The latest NBC/WSJ poll has Congress's job approval rating at 13 percent.
Dan Frank sees these underlining issues along with elitism in Washington D.C. as motivations to run for office. According to Dan, "Keeping jobs in America is my top priority." He adds, "I have spoken with many in this area that are concerned of losing their jobs, or have lost jobs, and now an economy in turmoil has rightfully elevated their concerns. It is obvious to me only multi-national corporations and special interest are represented in D.C., not all citizens." Dan has made a pledge, which he intends on keeping, that if elected, his votes will have to meet the Constitutionality threshold and benefit all citizens, not a selected few. In addition, he will only serve four terms.
Dan has also spoken out on property rights, gun ownership, and sovereignty, as well as advocating free-market in energy.
More information about Dan Frank and his campaign can be found on his website, http://www.danfrankforcongress.com. This site includes biographical information about Dan and a calendar of upcoming events, as well as his position on many of the important issues.
Constitution Party candidate files for congressional run
Posted by Media Release --- August 5th, 2008
John P. McDermott has filed petitions bearing the names of about 4,400 residents of the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. He needed to obtain nearly 3,000 signatures to secure a spot on the November ballot.
McDermott is running as a Constitution Party candidate. The district covers most of northeast Philadelphia and large portions of Montgomery County.
“Without my presence in the campaign,” he says, “the race would be merely a war of money and name recognition and pure partisanship,” he said, “and at the end of the day the voters would end up with a typical run-of-the-mill, business-as-usual party hack. This has to change, and I can do it.”
www.thirdpartywatch.com
John P. McDermott has filed petitions bearing the names of about 4,400 residents of the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. He needed to obtain nearly 3,000 signatures to secure a spot on the November ballot.
McDermott is running as a Constitution Party candidate. The district covers most of northeast Philadelphia and large portions of Montgomery County.
“Without my presence in the campaign,” he says, “the race would be merely a war of money and name recognition and pure partisanship,” he said, “and at the end of the day the voters would end up with a typical run-of-the-mill, business-as-usual party hack. This has to change, and I can do it.”
www.thirdpartywatch.com
Friday, July 25, 2008
Pennsylvania Senator Introduces Ballot Access Reform Bill
July 25th, 2008
Pennsylvania Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lancaster and Lebanon Counties) has introduced a bill to greatly ease minor party and independent candidate ballot access. The bill doesn’t have a bill number yet. It is believed that it permits a minor party to be ballot-qualified (and to nominate by convention) if it has registration of either one-tenth of 1%, or one-twentieth of 1%. If that were current law, the Constitution, Green, and Libertarian Parties would be ballot-qualified with no need for any petitioning for their nominees.
Independent candidates would need the same number of signatures that Democrats and Republicans need when they try to get on primary ballots. The statewide independent petition would be 2,000 signatures.
www.ballot-access.org
Pennsylvania Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lancaster and Lebanon Counties) has introduced a bill to greatly ease minor party and independent candidate ballot access. The bill doesn’t have a bill number yet. It is believed that it permits a minor party to be ballot-qualified (and to nominate by convention) if it has registration of either one-tenth of 1%, or one-twentieth of 1%. If that were current law, the Constitution, Green, and Libertarian Parties would be ballot-qualified with no need for any petitioning for their nominees.
Independent candidates would need the same number of signatures that Democrats and Republicans need when they try to get on primary ballots. The statewide independent petition would be 2,000 signatures.
www.ballot-access.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)