The Wisconsin State Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) must be added to the Democratic primary ballot for the state’s April 2 election. The court found that the bipartisan presidential selection committee, responsible for approving candidates, failed to discuss Phillips’ candidacy during a brief January meeting where President Biden’s name was swiftly approved. This ruling comes as a victory for Phillips, who launched his insurgent presidential campaign last October, challenging Biden for the Democratic nomination.
Wisconsin State Supreme Court Ensures Inclusion of Dean Phillips on Democratic Primary Ballot (Photo from: UPI)
Wisconsin State Supreme Court’s Unanimous Decision
In a unanimous decision, the Wisconsin State Supreme Court highlighted the lack of discussion about Phillips during the selection committee’s meeting. Despite the committee swiftly approving Biden’s name, it failed to fulfill the statutory requirement of discussing all candidates generally recognized in national news media. The court emphasized that Phillips, who secured nearly 20% of the vote in New Hampshire’s recent primary, deserved fair consideration.
The court’s opinion stated, “The Wisconsin State Supreme Court found that the bipartisan presidential selection committee failed to discuss Phillips’ candidacy, as required by law, during a brief January meeting.”
Phillips’ argument, accusing the DNC of obstructing the democratic process, gains traction with the court’s decision. The ruling reflects the court’s commitment to upholding democratic principles in the state’s primary elections.
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Phillips’ Campaign and DNC Accusations
Dean Phillips, a 55-year-old Minnesota Democrat, launched his insurgent primary campaign last October, aiming to challenge President Biden for the Democratic nomination. The court’s decision supports Phillips’ claim that the DNC, through schedule changes and a lack of debates, aimed to suppress his candidacy and hinder the democratic process.
Phillips’ accusations against the DNC gain credibility with the Wisconsin State Supreme Court’s ruling, reinforcing concerns about the fairness of the Democratic primary process.
The court’s decision sheds light on the DNC’s actions, as Phillips argues that schedule changes and a lack of engagement with New Hampshire delegates threaten democracy.
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