Raska ruled ineligible in GC election
A ruling by the Fourteenth Court of Appeals declared Michael Raska ineligible as a candidate for the office of County Commissioner Precinct 3 for Grimes County Tuesday, Jan.
13.
According to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, current Grimes County Pct
3. Commissioner Barbara Walker filed a writ of mandamus Jan. 6. In the writ of mandamus Walker asked the court to compel Grimes County Democratic Party James Harris to declare Michael Raska ineligible as a candidate for Grimes County Commissioner Pct. 3.
Walker stated in the writ of mandamus that at the Dec. 9, filing deadline Raska was not a registered voter in Pct. 3. The report states Walker presented Harris with public records showing that Raska did not give notice of his change of address and register to vote in Pct. 3 until Dec. 9. Walker stated Raska’s registration did not become effective until 30 days later, Jan. 8.
“It is unfortunate that I had to request the court of appeals to compel the Grimes County Democratic Party Chair James Harris to perform his duty correctly,” stated Walker. “The party chair has a duty to determine whether an application for a place on the ballot complies with the statutory requirements of residency and effective voter registration in the precinct. The requirements for candidacy are mandatory and should be strictly enforced. The law is clear on those requirements and is not left to the party official’s discretion.”
Walker said she attempted to resolve the issue with the party and state chair. “We made several attempts to resolve the matter with the party chair and state chair with no response from either. Neither Mr. Harris nor Mr. Raska provided the court with any public records showing that Mr. Raska was effectively registered to vote in Pct. 3 as of the Dec. 9, filing deadline.”
Harris stated he is learning from the experience. “This was a learning experience for both parties,” explained Harris. “I don’t think we ever had this happen before. I kept Susan (Patrick- Republican Party Chair) informed on the process because this could have affected the mail out ballots in Pct. 3 and 5. Most people don’t know that the only members of a political party that can be fined is the chair.”
“I followed the instructions of my state chair and did not take a side on this matter,” said Harris. “We welcome all candidates that would like to run on our ticket.”
Harris spoke to the party members at the last meeting. “I announced to our members that this might happen. Both candidates for that position were at the meeting. I told the party that if they heard it, I wanted them to know exactly what was going on.”
This is a minor setback, but I will continue to support Pct. 3,” stated Raska. “I plan to run in the November election as a write in candidate on the ballot.”