McClinton tossed from primary ballot in Poughkeepsie

After Monday’s ruling in Dutchess County Supreme Court, McClinton, a former Republican expressed her displeasure.  ” I’m not happy about it!  Three signatures were apparently duplicates that signed Craig’s (Brendli) sheet first.”  McClinton had originally submitted 103 signatures on her petitions.  Many of those were challenged by Brendli.  The Democratic and Republican Election Commissioners ruled 44 of the signatures invalid for various reasons, leaving McClinton with 59 which is the required minimum number needed to be on the ballot.

McClinton became a Democrat last year after becoming frustrated by President Trump’s comments regarding the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.  As a Democrat, McClinton sought the assistance of Democratic Elections Commissioner Hannah Black, to make sure her petitions were filled out properly.  “I do find it odd that the Commissioner who answered my questions about how I should fill out forms was the same Commissioner, Hannah Black, that then used what I told her against me instead of helping me.”

Brendli was perplexed that a court case was needed to resolve the issue.  “This really should have been resolved by the Board of Elections without having to go to court. However, I’m glad to see this come to an end.”  Brendli was represented by Poughkeepsie attorney Michael Treybich.  The attorney said, “I feel vindicated that the Supreme Court overruled the Board of Elections and found that candidate McClinton filed insufficient valid signatures to get on the ballot.”

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