Indiana Supreme Court Deliberates on Ballot Access for Senate Candidate John Rust
The court's decision will determine Rust's eligibility to run as a Republican in the upcoming primary, challenging the state's party affiliation statute.
- The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments on whether egg farmer John Rust can run as a Republican in the U.S. Senate primary against Rep. Jim Banks.
- A lower court previously ruled the state's party affiliation statute, which requires candidates to have voted in the last two primaries with their party or receive approval from a county party chair, unconstitutional.
- Rust, who did not vote as a Republican in his last two primaries and was denied approval by the Jackson County GOP chair, challenges the statute's constitutionality.
- The state argues the statute is necessary to preserve political parties' association with candidates and ensure orderly elections, while Rust's attorney contends it is too vague and restricts candidates' rights.
- The Supreme Court's ruling will have significant implications for future ballot access and the interpretation of party affiliation requirements in Indiana.
Associated Press 
