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Judge allows Democrats to challenge GOP's Nevada recalls

Posted at 5:54 PM, Mar 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-15 20:54:52-04

A Nevada judge is allowing Democrats to move forward with an effort to thwart Republicans from recalling two state lawmakers.

Republicans collected enough signatures last year to launch recall elections of two Democratic state senators. If successful, they would give the GOP a majority in the state Senate.

Democrats got some voters who signed the recall petitions to withdraw their signatures. The move would likely drop the petitions below the threshold needed to make the ballot.

Republicans sued to prevent voters from withdrawing their signatures. Judge Jerry Wiese on Thursday ruled that Democrats can take back the names.

Wiese wrote that he's simply interpreting Nevada law and that what helps Democrats now could help Republicans should their officeholders face recalls.

Republicans are likely to appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.