The Mississippi Supreme Court has assigned judges to hear challenges by candidates disqualified by political parties for statewide or legislative office.
Most of those removed from the ballot filed as Democrats, but there is one Republican.
At the head of the list is Insurance Commissioner George Dale, who is challenging his removal by the Mississippi Democratic Party executive committee.
His case was assigned to Circuit Judge Henry Lackey of Calhoun City. Lackey’s office said Wednesday that no hearing date had been scheduled.
The Democrats booted Dale, who has served as insurance commissioner since 1976, for his endorsement of Republican President George W. Bush in 2004.
In his lawsuit, Dale argued that party loyalty is not a requirement to seek office in Mississippi.
A Democratic Party spokesman has declined to comment on any lawsuits.
State law provides that the chief justice of the Supreme Court will appoint a judge from outside the area where the candidate lives to hear the challenge. The law says the judge will hold a hearing and issue a decision. A candidate has three days after the decision is issued to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
March 1 was the deadline for qualifying candidates. Party primaries are Aug. 7 and the general election is Nov. 6.
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