July 6, 2006 - Today, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks ruled that Rep. Tom Delay must appear on the ballot in November as the Republican nominee for the congressional seat that he resigned from last month. Below is a statement from David Donnelly, national campaigns director, Public Campaign Action Fund, on the Judge’s decision.

“The decision by Judge Sparks is a victory for voters. Political parties cannot declare null and void the electoral decisions of voters just because it’s political expedient to do so. Republican voters chose Tom DeLay from a field of four candidates on March 7 irrespective of his prospects for victory in November. DeLay’s decision to cut and run from the voters was one of cowardice. While there is likely to be additional legal maneuvering by both political parties in the coming hours, days, and weeks, it appears more likely now that DeLay will stand trial on Election Day after all.”

Public Campaign Action Fund (PCAF) is a national nonpartisan organization working to advance comprehensive public financing of elections. PCAF also campaigns to hold elected officials accountable for doing special favors for political backers. PCAF published the Daily DeLay weblog, and its Campaign Money Watch project led voter education efforts in DeLay’s former district.

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