SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 16, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit filed by Rep. Mia Love against the Salt Lake County clerk over over how ballots were being verified and counted in the 4th Congressional District race.
Third District Judge James Gardner listened to testimony on Thursday afternoon, and dismissed the case against County Clerk Sherrie Swensen late Friday morning, saying Love’s attorney failed to point out a “a single statute, rule or case that would entitle them to any of the relief” being sought.
Love attorney Robert Harrington released a statement after the ruling:
“Although we disagree with the outcome, we appreciate the Court’s attention to the issues raised in our petition. We will continue to closely observe the integrity of this election process.”
The campaign manager of Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, with whom Love is locked in a close race for the 4th District seat, also issued a statement:
“The McAdams campaign is pleased with Judge Gardner’s decision to reject Love’s attempt to stop the vote counting in Salt Lake County, Andrew Roberts said. “We are happy to see that no 4th District voters will be disenfranchised.”
On Wednesday, McAdams tweeted his own statement regarding Love’s move:
“It is the job of election officials to decide what votes count, not political candidates. Rep. Love’s decision to sue only in SLCo as she continues to trail in this race is unfortunate and smacks of desperation. Utah voters deserve better than this.”
As of Thursday, McAdams led the race by 1,002 by votes.
The Utah’s 4th District, includes Juab and Sanpete counties, and parts of Salt Lake and Utah counties.
