Lawsuit Aims to Block RFK Jr. from Ballots in 3 States

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently embroiled in a legal dispute as a super PAC challenges his candidacy in multiple states, including New York and Illinois. During a court testimony on Tuesday, Kennedy sought to counter allegations made by the PAC, which has filed objections against his nominating petition in Illinois. The Illinois State Board of Elections is set to review the matter on August 23, while the PAC's claims in Pennsylvania include accusations of falsifying his home address and irregularities in petition signatures. The super PAC, Clear Choice Action, argues that Kennedy did not gather the requisite number of signatures for ballot access in Pennsylvania, despite his campaign asserting that they submitted over 9,000 signatures—nearly double the required amount. Pete Kavanaugh, the PAC's founder, emphasized the importance of all candidates adhering to the same legal standards, criticizing Kennedy's campaign for allegedly misleading voters and undermining the democratic process. Democratic groups are increasingly concerned about Kennedy's potential impact on the upcoming election, viewing him as a spoiler candidate who could divert crucial votes from the Democratic nominee, potentially aiding former President Trump. Historical precedents, such as Jill Stein's 2016 campaign, highlight the risks of third-party candidates affecting election outcomes in battleground states. In response to the challenges, Kennedy's campaign has expressed confidence in their legal standing, asserting that they have successfully navigated previous ballot access disputes. They remain optimistic about overcoming the Democratic National Committee's efforts to contest their petition in Pennsylvania, aiming to provide voters with the option to support Kennedy in the upcoming election.