RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Former Del. Joe Morrissey is asking a court to review 750 petition signatures that the Democratic Party rejected, making him ineligible for a state Senate primary.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Morrissey filed the lawsuit Monday in Richmond Circuit Court. He's also asking the court to block printing of the ballots for the June primary.
Morrissey claims Democratic Party officials deliberately rejected valid signatures and violated his constitutional and civil rights. Party spokeswoman Morgan Finkelston called the allegations "bizarre" and said the party has treated all candidates equally.
Morrissey commuted to the last legislative session from a Henrico County jail after being convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Two weeks ago, he vacated his House seat to challenge Democratic Sen. Rosalyn Dance.
Morrissey Challenges Roadblock to VA State Senate
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