An independent state legislative candidate backed by Kentucky's Republican governor has won a court fight to keep her name on the ballot in next month's election.
Stacie Earl needed 100 petition signatures to become a candidate in a state House district in northern Kentucky. Earl turned in 156. Her Republican opponent, Ed Massey, filed a lawsuit arguing enough of the signatures were invalid to remove her name from the ballot.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Boone County Circuit Court Judge James Schrand scrutinized the questionable signatures Friday.
The newspaper reports the final tally, after the judge's review, was 102 valid signatures.
Forty-three signatures were nullified because they came from people living outside the proper jurisdiction.
Earl has been endorsed by Gov. Matt Bevin. The House race also includes Democrat Roberto Henriquez.