U.S. Rep. Andy Kim’s (D-3rd) pursuit to end the so-called “party line” system will continue, even as he now stands to benefit from it after the withdrawal of first lady Tammy Murphy from the race.
Kim’s lawsuit has alleged the use of the controversial ballot design that favors party favorites is unconstitutional and should no longer be used. A federal judge is still weighing Kim’s arguments against those of county clerks and others who say it is too close to the election to redesign ballots.
But with Murphy suspending her campaign, Kim now has himself accepted the line in counties that Murphy had previously won party leader endorsements, giving him a clear path to the Democratic nomination.
Kim said that even though he’s suing to end the practice, he has to do what is best for his campaign. Yet the remaining candidates — Patricia Campos-Medina and Larry Hamm — said Kim is a hypocrite to do so.
