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Court: GOP Candidate Lacks 'Legal Right' To Include Nickname On Ballot

AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley

A Republican candidate for Kentucky Secretary of State who wants his nickname – “Trump” – on the ballot can be blocked from including it. 

The Franklin Circuit Court has ruled that Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, a Democrat, acted within her authority when she prevented Carl “Trump” Nett from including the presidential tribute in his name on the Republican primary ballot.

Nicknames are allowed under state law, but the candidate must submit an affidavit under oath confirming the authenticity of the nickname and that it’s not being used to game the system.

Grimes cited a lack of Nett’s nickname on his campaign website or online profiles. Nett argued he does use the name on social media. In his decision, Judge Thomas Wingate said the petitioner lacked a “legal right to use the politically advantageous nickname, and the Secretary of State did not act arbitrarily in removing the alleged nickname from the ballot." 

Nett is up against Andrew English, Michael Adams, and Stephen Knipper in the GOP contest set for May 21.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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