MILWAUKEE- Two candidates hoping to run for Milwaukee County Executive, but had their names removed from the ballot, will have their case heard by a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge.
Former State Senator Jim Sullivan and Glendale Mayor Brian Kennedy were among the six people hoping to replace outgoing County Executive Chris Abele but had their names removed from the February primary ballot over discrepancies in signature collection.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission ordered Kennedy and Sullivan’s names removed from the ballot after they were found to have paid the same people as fellow candidate David Crowley to collect signatures. The move violated state election law.
The Milwaukee County Elections Commission was the first to hear the complaint brought forth by Milwaukee County Board Chairman and County Executive candidate Theo Lipscomb last week. That board was deadlocked, which ultimately sent the decision to the State Elections Commission, which decided on removal Tuesday.
Sullivan and Kennedy’s case will be heard by Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Kevin Martens Friday afternoon.
Initial ballots were sent to the printer on Wednesday; if Judge Martens rules that the candidates names should be reinstated, entirely new ballots will be printed.