Santorum continues fight to get on Indiana ballot

By: Chad Sinclair
Topics: Campaign 2012

Rick Santorum

(Credit: CBS)

Rick Santorum is not giving up on his bid to make it on the ballot in Indiana for their May 8 primary.

After failing to get on the ballot in Indiana because he was 25 signatures short, the former Pennsylvania senator's campaign now says it has 49 more. But an official with the Indiana Board of Elections says she does not expect that to change their initial ruling.

Indiana Board of Voter Registration member Cindy Mowery told CBS News Political Hotsheet that while her office has not had a chance to review the claim, she does not expect the signatures to be re-certified.

Mowery said the controversy lies in the discrepancy between the addresses on the petition and the addresses listed on individual registration files.

"These aren't new signatures," Mowery said. "They come from what (the campaign) already submitted."

Santorum spokesman Hogan Gidley told Hotsheet Monday that he believes there is enough evidence that the signatures will be re-certified.

"We believe that these 49 signatures were wrongly rejected," Gidley said, "we are confident that those will be re-certified and that those people will be able to vote in May."

Indiana law requires presidential primary petitions to contain 500 signatures from each of the state's nine congressional districts, and those signatures are certified or rejected by county voter registration offices. In Indianapolis-based Marion County, Santorum fell 25 signatures short by the January 31 deadline.

President Obama, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Texas Rep. Ron Paul - the only other active candidates - have all been certified for the ballot.

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by larrylinn1 February 12, 2012 8:39 PM EST: If Santorum cannot manage his election campaign, why would anyone think that he is qualified to be President?; Reply to this comment


by jdaryyl February 6, 2012 8:18 PM EST: Probly shulda thought bout that some time ago...

Maybe next time?

Maybe there will be some Muslims left to get after Romney or Obama get their chances again? Keep your fingers crossed Frothy that you get your chance! Maybe there is a mosque or something in your town you can ATTACK? Bet they are building something.; Reply to this comment