Connecticut law demands that the winning party from the previous year gets top billing on the ballot in the next election. While Democrat Dannel P. Malloy won the election in 2010, Connecticut’s Republican Party is suing the state to get the top of the ballot since his vote was split between two parties.
The GOP argues that even though Malloy won, because Tom Foley earned more votes in that election compared to votes cast for the Democratic Party. Votes for Malloy were split between the Democrats and Working Families, but together totaled more than Foley’s.
According to CBS Local, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill denied the GOP’s claim, prompting the lawsuit.
“The Republican Party line for governor garnered more votes than any other party line in 2010. Under Connecticut law, our candidates for state and federal office deserve the top-line designation on this year’s ballot. The Republican Party has earned that,” said State Sen. John McKinney (R-Fairfield) in a statement.
The GOP reportedly hopes to be placed on the top of the ballot in the November elections this year.
