RFK Retains Position on Wisconsin Ballot, Commission Decides

The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) has decided to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the state's general election ballot, despite the independent candidate’s request to withdraw. Kennedy, who recently suspended his campaign and endorsed former President Donald Trump, had sent a letter to the WEC last Friday asking to have his name removed from the ballot. However, the commission voted 5-1 on Tuesday to approve Kennedy’s and two other candidates’ names for the ballot.

The WEC, composed of three Democrats and three Republicans, initially split on a motion to remove Kennedy’s name, resulting in a 3-3 deadlock. The commission pointed to a Wisconsin state law that prevents candidates from declining their nomination after officially filing for ballot access.

• The Commission's Rationale: Democratic elections commission member Mark Thompson expressed skepticism about the motivations behind Kennedy's request, stating, “We know Trump and Kennedy are playing games. Whatever games they’re playing, they have to play them with Kennedy on the ballot.” The decision ensures that Kennedy remains a potential wildcard in a state critical to the 2024 election outcome.

• Other Candidates on the Ballot: Alongside Kennedy, independent candidate Cornel West and Green Party candidate Jill Stein also secured their spots on Wisconsin’s ballot after overcoming legal challenges. Notably, the Wisconsin Supreme Court recently dismissed efforts by Democrats to remove Stein, whose 2016 candidacy is blamed by some for siphoning votes from Hillary Clinton, contributing to Trump’s narrow victory in the state.

• Impact on the 2024 Election: The WEC’s decision follows a similar ruling in Michigan, where Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also required Kennedy to remain on the ballot. With Kennedy’s name now cemented on ballots in two key swing states, his candidacy could influence vote tallies for both Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump. Kennedy’s recent endorsement of Trump has added a new layer of complexity to an already unpredictable election.

As Wisconsin and Michigan continue to play pivotal roles in presidential elections, the presence of Kennedy on the ballot could prove to be a significant factor. In 2016, Trump won both states, helping him secure the presidency, while Biden narrowly flipped them in 2020. The 2024 election may hinge once again on the results in these battleground states, where every vote will count.

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