Kansas Democratic Senate candidate Chad Taylor’s effort to get his name taken off this fall’s ballot will be heard in the state’s supreme court, according to reports, the latest twist in a suddenly fast-changing race thought to be a shoo-in for Republicans.
Last week, Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach ruled that Taylor will have to remain on the ballot since he did not demonstrate that he was incapable of serving if elected, a requirement under state statutes. Taylor went on to file a lawsuit against Kobach, claiming an election official helped him prepare the necessary documents to withdraw from the race; the official denies doing so.
Kobach argued that the lawsuit should be taken up in a lower court, but the supreme court decided the matter was too time-sensitive to go through the standard process, particularly as some ballots are set to be mailed before the end of the month, according to the Hill.
The make-up of the court may favor Taylor: Four of the bench’s seven judges were appointed by former Democratic governor Kathleen Sebelius.
Taylor’s sudden decision is considered by many to be part of a Democratic political strategy to unseat Republican incumbent Pat Roberts, and move a previously safe Senate seat into play. If Taylor voters move to support independent candidate Greg Orman, Roberts will face much stiffer competition, with a recent poll showing him trailing in a match-up against Orman.