Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Name Remains on Ballots Despite Withdrawal

RFK Jr.'s Withdrawal

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently withdrew from the presidential race and pledged his support to former President Trump. Despite his decision to remove his name from the ballot in approximately 10 swing states, several states have declined to comply with his request. Kennedy had expressed concerns that his continued presence on the ballot in battleground states could potentially tilt the election in favor of the Democrats, a party with which he has significant disagreements on key issues.

States Refusing to Remove RFK Jr.'s Name

Three pivotal states have refused to remove Kennedy's name from the ballot. Michigan, a crucial battleground state, stated that it was too late for Kennedy to withdraw as the nominee of the Natural Law Party. The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 against removing his name, citing a law that prohibits any person who has filed nomination papers and qualified to appear on the ballot from declining the nomination. Colorado, while less competitive for Trump than Michigan or Wisconsin, also declined to remove Kennedy's name.

Statements from State Officials

Cheri Hardmon, a spokesperson for the Michigan Secretary of State, explained that minor party candidates cannot withdraw and therefore Kennedy's name will remain on the ballot in the November election. She further added that the Natural Law Party had already held their convention to select electors for Robert Kennedy Jr. and could not convene again to select new electors as it was past the primary.

Nevada's Decision

In contrast, Nevada permitted RFK Jr. to remove his name after his legal team reached an agreement with DNC lawyers who were attempting to keep him off the ballot. Kennedy's name has also been removed from the ballots in the battleground states of Arizona and Pennsylvania, as well as Florida, Texas, and Ohio, which are typically Republican-leaning states.

North Carolina's Position

The focus now shifts to North Carolina, where the ballots would need to be quickly reprinted if Kennedy decides to withdraw. However, the Kennedy team has not yet requested to remove their candidate from the North Carolina ballot. Patrick Gannon, a public information officer for the North Carolina State Board of Elections, stated that the We The People Party, which nominated Kennedy, has not informed the State Board of any plans to change its nomination. If We The People were to withdraw Kennedy’s nomination, state officials would have to consider the practicality of reprinting ballots.

Comments from Nicole Shanahan

In a recent interview with Fox News, Nicole Shanahan, former running mate of RFK Jr., criticized the Democrats for their treatment of Kennedy. She expressed concern that the party is losing its moral compass and straying from its foundational principles of dignity and respect. She praised Kennedy as one of the kindest individuals she has had the pleasure to know and admired his grace under pressure.

Bottom Line

This situation raises questions about the flexibility of the electoral process and the potential implications of a candidate's withdrawal on the outcome of an election. It also sheds light on the complexities of party politics and the challenges faced by third-party candidates. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the states should have allowed Kennedy to withdraw his name from the ballot? Share your thoughts and discuss with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.