After a judge ruled that she had not met the state’s signature requirements for qualification as a candidate, a lawyer for Iowa Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer urged the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to reinstate her on the Democratic primary ballot this year.
The court’s decision, expected by the end of the week, will determine the fate of the campaign of the former congresswoman, whom most Democrats consider to be their strongest challenger to Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. The longtime senator is seeking an eighth term this fall.
Two Republicans contested Finkenauer’s candidacy, claiming she didn’t meet the state’s signature requirements (3,500 valid signatures, including 100 from 19 counties) because three signatures were missing dates.
The Iowa Objection Panel, made up of the state attorney general, auditor, and secretary of state, voted 2-1 to keep Finkenauer on the ballot. But late Sunday night, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds’ appointed Judge Scott Beattie ruled she didn’t meet the state’s requirements and couldn’t be on the primary ballot.
The seven-member state Supreme Court remained silent during Wednesday’s oral arguments. Several justices appeared to support Finkenauer’s lawyer and the state attorney general’s legal arguments. Others seemed to support the Republicans.
