Is new OH law necessary reform or Kasich re-election protection act?

By Maggie Thurber | for Ohio Watchdog

The latest law imposing tougher requirements for third parties to get on the ballot in Ohio is either a necessary reform or an attempt to protect the Republican governor in his re-election bid. It all depends on who is talking.

Sponsors of the legislation say the law was necessary because Ohio has been without guidelines since 2006, when courts declared previous laws unconstitutional. No other groups or individuals spoke in favor of the bill.

Opponents say the timing was designed to make it difficult for third parties to get on the ballot in 2014, when Gov. John Kasich is expected to face competition over conservative voters.

The Libertarian Party of Ohio, which opposed the bill as it moved through the Legislature, filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop it. The Ohio Green Party was expected to do so as well.

As for voters, they’re not really part of the debate, though they’re the ones whose choices could be limited because of the law

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