RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A judge has ruled that an independent candidate cannot appear on the ballot in a tight congressional race in Virginia due to forged signatures on her petition.
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Gregory Rupe's decision Wednesday came after he heard arguments in a lawsuit filed by Democrats that accuses members of Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Taylor's campaign staff of forging signatures. Democrats claim Taylor's campaign wanted independent candidate Shaun Brown on the 2nd District ballot to weaken support for his Democratic opponent, Elaine Luria, and bolster his own re-election chances.
Brown told reporters she would appeal.
Taylor has said he knew his staff was circulating petitions for Brown, but he denounced the use of false signatures.
A special prosecutor is conducting a separate criminal investigation.
Lawsuit
Meanwhile Susan Lambert of Virginia is suing Taylor’s campaign for her forged name on a ballot petition.
She is asking for $2.4 million.
The Associated Press reports that the suit was filed last week claiming that her signature was forged by the Taylor campaign to support Brown for the November ballot.