Candidate for governor sues for a spot on the Republican primary ballot [View all]

http://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20140401/NEWS/140409410/1994/NEWS



Charlie Baker, left, and Mark Fisher, right, are vying for the Republican nomination for Massachusetts governor.

Candidate for governor sues for a spot on the Republican primary ballot

BOSTON -- Republican Mark Fisher has sued to have his name placed on the ballot for the primary election for governor and has asked for support from rival Charlie Baker.

Fisher was denied access to the ballot after party officials reported that he had fallen six votes short of the required support from convention delegates to qualify. The Fisher campaign said it filed a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court late Tuesday afternoon against GOP Chairwoman Kirsten Hughes challenging the official tally.

Hughes, in a statement, said that the party was preparing to defend itself against Fisher’s lawsuit and taking steps to set up a legal defense fund and explore whether insurance taken out against the convention would cover the cost of a challenge.

“We are certain the outcome will prove that processes were properly followed in accordance with our rules. Additionally, all ballot challenges were thoroughly and properly adjudicated in an open manner during the Convention with Mr. Fisher's legal counsel present. Our Party and our candidates remain focused on proposing solutions to restore common sense and balance to Beacon Hill and we look forward to continuing to hear out Mr. Fisher's issues and to bring the matter to a close,” Hughes said.