Wisconsin judge rules Kennedy Jr. stays on presidential ballot

A Dane County Circuit Judge ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s name will remain on the presidential ballot in Wisconsin, as he submitted his nomination papers before the August 6 deadline. The judge emphasized that Wisconsin law allows candidates to be removed from the ballot only in the event of death. Kennedy, who suspended his campaign in August and endorsed Donald Trump, sought to withdraw his name from ballots in battleground states, arguing that independent candidates face discrimination under state law. The Wisconsin Elections Commission had previously voted to keep Kennedy's name on the ballot, noting that the law does not permit candidates to withdraw themselves unless they die. This ruling comes as county clerks face a deadline to print and distribute ballots, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Kennedy's legal team filed a lawsuit to contest his inclusion on the ballot, claiming that the rules unfairly favor major party candidates. Kennedy's campaign strategy has shifted, as he encourages supporters to back him in states where their votes are unlikely to affect the outcome, while attempting to remove his name from ballots in key states. His earlier success in North Carolina to have his name removed from ballots there adds complexity to his current situation in Wisconsin. The presence of independent candidates like Kennedy could significantly impact the election results in Wisconsin, a state known for its narrow margins in past presidential elections. The outcome of this case may influence the dynamics of the race, particularly in a state where every vote counts.