| Updated: 7/29/2010 8:09 pm |
Published: 7/28/2010 9:08 pm |
Governor Mike Beebe was officially served papers today as part of the lawsuit filed by Russ Aiken.
Aiken, a Republican candidate running for the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, says Governor Mike Beebe and the Stone County Election Commission have violated his rights as a candidate and voter.
In May, a primary election for the Stone County Sheriff position, which becomes vacant on November 3, was held. Alongside the Republican nominees, there were three Democratic choices. None of the Democrats achieved a majority of the vote. The two Democratic candidates, Todd Hudspeth and Lane Bonds, who received the most votes, had a runoff primary on June 8. The two of them tied. The votes were counted twice.
When they tied, the Stone County Election Commission said they did not have the provisions for another election. So, on June 23, Governor Mike Beebe issued a proclamation that they would hold a “special primary election” to determine the Democratic nominee for Stone County Sheriff.
The Stone County Quorum Court authorized $32,000 to pay for the Democratic election in the Stone County Sheriff race.
As a result, Aiken filed suit against Governor Beebe and the Stone County Election Commission. He says they are forcing him to fund an illegal election that is designed to deprive him of his rights.
Without the election, there would be no Democratic nominee and the Republican candidate would win by default. Confirmation of the lawsuit was received via telephone from the Pulaski County Treasurer and candidate for Secretary of State, Pat O’Brien.
Reports indicate that the Governor will be represented by the Attorney General.
