D.C. GOP Goes to Court Over Michael Brown's Party Status

From the Washington City Paper blog City Desk

Local Republicans asked a court this morning to declare At-Large Councilmember-Elect Michael A. Brown ineligible to take office.

The petition to the D.C. Court of Appeals follows a decision by the Board of Elections and Ethics last Monday to certify Brown’s victory. The D.C Republican Committee had sent a letter to the board asking that Brown’s victory not be certified on the grounds that despite running as an independent, he’s actually a Democrat. The board rejected that argument.

It’s unclear how quickly a decision will be made, though D.C. GOP executive director Paul Craney says his group has filed a motion to expedite, seeing as Brown is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 2.

Press release after jump.

Press Release
 
December 1, 2008
For Immediate Release
 
Contact: Paul D. Craney
Office: (202) 289-8005
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
Email: pcraney@dcgop.com
 
DCGOP Files a Petition with the DC Court of Appeals
DCGOP Prepares for Legal Challenge of Michael Brown’s Certification to DC Council
 
Washington, DC:  At approximately 11:00 a.m. this morning, the DC Republican Committee filed a Petition with the DC Court of Appeals to challenge the certification of Michael A. Brown to the DC Council (At-Large).
 
“The DC Republican Committee will do everything it can to ensure District election law is followed and the rights of minority parties are protected.  District law would be violated if Michael Brown is allowed to take office. We look forward to vigorously advocating for the enforcement of the minority party representation provision of the DC Home Rule Statute before the DC Court of Appeals, ” stated DC Republican Committee Chairman Robert J. Kabel.
 
“This not about the Republican Party, this is about protecting minority rights and preventing one Party rule from monopolizing government. In fact, the DC Board of Election and Ethic’s decision in this matter demonstrates the danger of one Party rule,” concluded Kabel.
 
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