Judge Sides With Independent Candidates in Montana

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A federal judge is making it a little easier for independent candidates seeking to get on the ballot in Montana.

U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon ruled late last week that the state's March deadline was too early for independent candidates.

But Haddon left in place the state's requirement that they collect thousands of signatures of support. Independent candidates must gather signatures that equal at least 5 percent of the number of voters in the last election for the office sought.

The case was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana on behalf of independent candidate Steve Kelly of Gallatin County. Kelly sought to run in 2008 as an independent candidate for U.S. Senate.

They argued that Montana's ballot access laws are among the most stringent in the nation.