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Judge: Discovery Done in Protracted Libertarian Suit in Ohio
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A judge has declared the evidence-gathering phase closed in the Libertarian Party of Ohio’s protracted lawsuit over disqualification of two of its statewide candidates in 2014.
In a firmly-worded order Friday, U.S. District Judge Michael Watson declared all outstanding requests for records and witness interviews complete.
The third-party gubernatorial candidacy of Libertarian Charlie Earl was seen as potentially drawing votes from Republican Gov. John Kasich two years ago. Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted disqualified Earl after a legal challenge later shown to be backed by the Ohio GOP.
Kasich is now a presidential candidate.
Watson opted not to grant either side’s request to sanction the other for perceived delays, harassment or non-cooperation, but he said he won’t forget their behavior if they ever face him again.