(The Center Square) – Iowa’s State Objection Panel voted Wednesday to keep three Libertarian candidates for Congress off of the November ballot, citing an Iowa statute that says political parties must have county conventions.
Des Moines Attorney Alan R. Ostergren cited a state law that requires major political parties to have county conventions each year in filing objections for electors in the first, third and fourth congressional districts.
The Libertarian Party applied for major party status in 2022 after Rick Stewart, a candidate for lieutenant governor, received 2% of the vote and was approved by Secretary of State Paul Pate.
“It must be noted that the Libertarian Party of Iowa chose to be a major political party,” Ostergren said in the objection. “Had it wished, it could have not filed the application for recognition with the Secretary of State following the 2022 general election. But having done so, it voluntarily took on organizational responsibilities. Its failure to follow them has a consequence.”
The panel, which consists of Pate, Attorney General Breanna Bird and State Auditor Rob Sand, voted 2-1 to remove the Libertarian candidates from the ballot based on the objections.
Sand, the only statewide Democratic official, was the only “no” vote.
“They want to enforce a two-party system, divide Iowans and limit their choices,” Sand said.
Libertarian Nicholas Gluba is challenging incumbent Republican Mariannette Miller-Miller Meeks in the first congressional district race. Democrat Christina Bohannon is also in the race.
In the third congressional district race, Republican Zach Nunn is facing Libertarian Marco Battaglia and Democrat Lanon Baccam. Randy Feenstra, who represents the fourth district in Congress, is going against Democrat Ryan Melton and Libertarian Charles Aldrich.
Julia Cutler, chairperson of the Iowa Libertarian Party, said she drew the same conclusion as Sand. The party is working on an appeal to the decision, which may include an examination of the statute concerning county conventions.
“It appears on its face the statute is arbitrary and capricious. It doesn’t serve any value other than to add additional hooks,” Cutler said in an interview with reporters on Wednesday afternoon. “Iowa law allows for technical issues to be resolved without removing the candidates from the ballot.”
Gluba said he and the other candidates are going to continue “business as usual” and campaign.
“If we were to miss out on the process, still going to be running as a write-in candidate,” Gluba said.
