Republican Ron Corbett says he has filed a lawsuit, hoping a judge will rule his name should be on the June Primary ballot as a challenger of Governor Kim Reynolds. On Tuesday, a state panel concluded Corbett’s nominating petitions were eight signatures short of the number required to qualify as a primary candidate. “This is about being treated fairly and there’s something just in my gut that tells me this isn’t right,” Corbett says.

Corbett spoke at a news conference in Cedar Rapids Wednesday afternoon, blasting the “Republican establishment” for challenging that paperwork. “You see the establishment doesn’t take too kindly when someone tries to threaten their power,” Corbett said. Corbett expects a ruling next week. Timing is crucial, as primary ballots are being printed soon. Corbett says it’s “tough to beat the donor class, special interests and the establishment.”

“And that’s the trio behind Governor Reynolds, but that trio can be defeated, but only if people unite behind them and the only way that people can unite behind them is to have a ballot choice,” Corbett says. Corbett’s campaign is arguing it’s been penalized for its “over-diligence” in crossing off “legal and valid names” on Corbett’s nominating petitions. Corbett’s lawsuit asks the judge to count those names — something the review panel refused to do Tuesday.

“Maybe you’re a football fan like I am, but once in a while the referee on the field throws a flag,” Corbett said. “…We’re just throwing a ‘coaches challenge’ out there and we’re asking for a judge to review.” Corbett says one reason he filed the lawsuit is because Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller “sided with” Corbett, while the two other members of the review panel voted against letting Corbett on the ballot.

(Radio Iowa)