GOP leaders ‘stunned’ by Todd Young’s ballot problem

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – GOP Congressman Todd Young is accusing Democrats of using dirty tricks in an effort to get his name removed from the ballot in the race for U.S. Senate.

And Republican leaders are expressing concern over the possibility that the Democrats will be successful.

In order to make the ballot, a candidate must gather 500 petition signatures in each of Indiana’s 9 congressional districts. Todd Young collected just 498 in the 1st Congressional District according to Democrats who have filed a challenge with the state Election Commission.

The Todd Young campaign believes that it has 501 certified signatures in that district based on actions taken by county clerks.

The Election Commission will decide which side is right at a hearing next Friday.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders in the General Assembly are defending the ballot requirement.

“I don’t think it’s too high a hurdle but you need to be sure you beat the hurdle,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma. “So, I was a little surprised when I heard there were only 501 certified signatures originally. That’s cutting it way too short for most candidates I would say.”

“If it’s true, it’s one of the most colossal mistakes I’ve ever seen,” said Senate President Pro Tem David Long, “and it’s stunning because I suspect that Congressman Young thought he had all the signatures wrapped up weeks ago. So, all I can say is that I’m amazed he’s in that situation.”

Long, by the way, has endorsed Young’s primary opponent, Marlin Stutzman.

Young is the front-runner for the GOP nomination but if his name is taken off the ballot, Stutzman will be the only remaining Republican candidate since Eric Holcomb quit the race to become Lieutenant Governor.