As we’ve come to expect of him, Cuccinelli has gotten to the heart of the problem here. The problem is in the state statute and has to be resolved/amended by the state legislature. It’s in the interest of both D’s and R’s to adopt the change.
Cuccinelli or his Office will have to defend the actions of the SBE being sued by Perry And, what is he to argue? That they followed the statute. Better to just change the statute. If adopted, Perry can withdraw his suit.
It should be noted Cuccinelli’s proposed language says “or eligible for federal funds.” That means the candidate has to have filed with the FEC. No one gets matching federal funds until they have won their party’s nomination (if they opt to accept federal funds). And, Cuccinelli’s amendment serves the underlying purpose of the statute, which was to keep totally fringe candidates off the ballot, not the Gingriches and Perrys. Perfect resolution.
There is an R ‘establishment opposed to changing the law- but they'll be run over by the Dems teaming up with the ‘Tea Party’ Rs.
Bolling (Romney's state chair) can gracefully go along or not: IE he's irrelevant.
Might even prevent the Dems from a walkout or such when the Senate organizes...