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Court Hears Election Challenge To GOP Legislator

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Supreme Court is considering an election challenge that could knock a Republican legislator off the ballot.

The court heard arguments in the case Wednesday but will issue a decision later.

At issue is whether Rep. Dianne Hamilton of Silver City has enough voter signatures on nominating petitions.

Democratic challenger Terry Fortenberry says five of Hamilton's petitions should be invalidated because the incumbent failed to list her county of residence and address as required by law. Hamilton's lawyer says those should be accepted because the candidate substantially complied with the petition requirements.

Hamilton has 85 signatures on other petitions but Fortenberry contends only 63 are valid.

Seventy signatures are needed to qualify as a candidate. Some of the contested voters are not Republicans or don't live in Hamilton's district.

 

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.