Libertarian candidates for Congress will be left off Iowa ballots after final court decision

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Three Libertarian candidates running for Congress in Iowa will not be named on the ballot this November, the state Supreme Court said Wednesday, an outcome that could benefit Republicans in two competitive districts.

The high court offered a quick and final decision following Tuesday’s oral arguments, already more than a week after the deadline for state officials to certify the names of nominees before ballots can be printed.

Iowans affiliated with the Republican Party filed challenges against the three candidates, alleging that the Libertarian Party of Iowa failed to follow state law on the procedure for nominating their candidates. A three-member panel of state elected officials, comprised of two Republicans and one Democrat, ruled 2-1 in agreement with the challengers.

The Libertarian candidates filed a court challenge. A Polk County judge issued a decision Saturday saying the state objection panel’s decision was appropriate, and the candidates immediately appealed to the high court.

The Iowa Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the lower court’s decision.

Independent or third-party candidates usually have little chance of winning, but the question of how their margin of support could change the outcome of the race vexes Democratic and Republican leaders alike.

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