What's happened
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s name will stay on the Wisconsin ballot after a judge ruled against his removal. This decision follows his endorsement of Donald Trump and efforts to withdraw from ballots in swing states, raising implications for the upcoming presidential election.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, RFK Jr. abandoned his independent presidential campaign to endorse Trump, stating that remaining on the ballot could hand the election to Democrats. The ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Stephen Ehlke emphasized that Wisconsin law allows candidates to be removed only upon death, a point echoed by multiple sources including the South China Morning Post and The Guardian. The New York Times noted the logistical challenges for election boards due to the ruling, estimating costs of reprinting ballots could exceed $1 million in North Carolina alone. This situation illustrates the complex interplay of legal, political, and electoral strategies as the presidential race heats up.
How we got here
RFK Jr. suspended his presidential campaign in August 2024 to endorse Donald Trump. He has since sought to remove his name from ballots in key states, arguing that independent candidates face unfair treatment under election laws.
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