Holmes recall bid tossed by Division of Elections

[Blue_In_AK]

Not surprising. We will appeal.

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20131207/lindsey-holmes-recall-bid-tossed-alaska-division-elections

Anchorage Rep. Lindsey Holmes' decision to switch from the Democratic to Republican Party immediately following her re-election last year isn't enough to merit a recall, the Division of Elections ruled Friday.

Recall proponents say they'll appeal.

The division, overseen by Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, found that the effort to recall Holmes didn't meet state constitutional standards for recall, according to Gail Fenumiai, the division's director.

Fenumiai said the recall met the standard for valid signatures by registered voters, turning in 904, more than the 808 necessary. But she said the Department of Law recommended rejection of the recall application.

"We recommend the application be denied because Representative Holmes' conduct in changing political parties is lawful and constitutionally protected," wrote Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Bakalar in a legal opinion on which Fenumiai relied.

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