Platt trying for spot on November ballotBy Robert Behre (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Eugene Platt The State Election Commission will decide next week if state House District 115 candidate Eugene Platt may appear on the ballot this fall, but his odds appear dim. Platt, who lost the June 10 Democratic primary to James Island lawyer Anne Peterson Hutto, hopes to run in November as a Green Party candidate. Before he can run, he must clear two hurdles. One, state law appears to prohibit candidates from running in a general or special election if they already have lost a primary race. Two, Platt signed a pledge with the Democratic Party vowing that he wouldn't run again this fall. As far as the pledge goes, Platt said Wednesday, "That was probably one of the papers that was presented to me along with the others. "Obviously I signed it not knowing the full ramifications, not anticipating a situation like this. The Green Party feels such a pledge would not be enforceable." Platt said he has resigned from the Democratic Party, and "I no longer consider myself as a Democrat." State law might prove an even greater obstacle. The Election Commission staff cited a section of law indicating that Platt may not appear on the ballot since he lost his primary race, but the commissioners will consider the request on June 27. If Platt loses, then Hutto will face only incumbent Republican Rep. Wallace Scarborough on Nov. 4. Green Party organizer Gregg Jocoy said the commission's decision will set an important precedent, and he noted that Platt was nominated by the Green Party in May, a month before the Democratic primary. "Our right to have our candidate on the ballot in November shouldn't be subordinated by the Democratic Party's decision who it wants on the ballot," Jocoy said. "Eugene's campaign is vital to the growth of the Green Party in the Lowcountry." Platt, who has run for state and federal legislative seats and lost several times, said he is weighing whether to seek re-election as a James Island Public Service District commissioner at the same time he runs for the state House seat. Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@ postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 3 comment(s)
Posted by lou9 on June 19, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy is some piece of work. He lost in the primary but he still thinks he's entitled to run for office. Get it through your head Mr. Platt, the voters don't want you. You had your shot and you lost.
Posted by rutledge on June 19, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Simply shameless. So he runs as a Democrat for congress, statehouse ect. and loses so he abandons the party? His motto was "Integrity", so much for that. He seemed sincere in his commercials, I bet that is about as genuine as his "integrity" slogan. Honestly, either he is a liar, or he does not know what integrity means.... probably both.
Posted by yellowdogdemocrat on June 19, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Your word is your bond" Eugene. What happened to you? I hope the Green Party has some Integity and does not let him get away this. I cannot see where Eugene's long held moderate views on same sex marriage and abortion rights match with the Green Party. Thousands of Democrats worked hard for Eugene in the last election and this Primany. To pay these people back this way is very sad and disturbing. Who could possibly trust him enough to vote for him now?