High Court Asked to Rule on Krist Party Switch—Gov Bid

High Court Asked to Rule on Krist Party Switch—Gov Bid
Tyler Davis and State Sen. Bob Krist

Omaha, NE.—Bob Krist’s slot on the Democratic primary ballot for governor is still not a done deal.

Fellow Democrat Tyler Davis is asking the Nebraska Supreme Court to in effect keep Krist’s name off the May ballot. Krist is a term limited State Senator from Omaha.

Davis wants the high court to examine a 20-year-old decision by the Nebraska Secretary of State, first reported exclusively by News Channel Nebraska.

Davis is following the lead of some political insiders who claim that Krist, who had filed as an independent (non-partisan) a few months earlier, missed a December deadline to join the Democratic Party and run for governor this spring.

But a 1998 state memo and present-day email unearthed by NCN say otherwise.

In a letter (highlighted below) to the Keith County Clerk dated Feb. 3, 1998 then-Secretary of State Scott Moore said, “It is my position that someone who amends their registration from non-partisan to affiliate with a political party has not affected ‘A change in political party affiliation…’ but has instead chosen to declare an affiliation.”

In a recent email Deputy Secretary of State Wayne Bena backed up the 20-year-old decision: “While (the memo) is from 1998, it is still the policy of this office,” wrote Bena.

1998 Memo: Secretary of State Scott Moore

Before becoming an independent in September, Krist had been a registered Republican for more than a decade.

Davis finds Krist’s party hopping ridiculous. “Nebraska’s elections, and the laws that govern them, should not be treated like a game,” Davis said.

The Nebraska Democratic Party sides with Krist.

The Supreme Court will need to rule by March 21st, according to a statement from Davis.

 

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