Democrat School Board Candidate Disqualified: 8th District GOP Chairman Andrew Loposser Lauds Decision
Contact: 8th District Republican Committee
Email: chairman@vagop8cd.org
Democrat School Board Candidate Disqualified: 8th District GOP Chairman Andrew Loposser Lauds Decision
Alexandria, VA – 8th District Chairman Andrew Loposser responds to the disqualification of the Democrat-endorsed Fairfax School Board candidate, and to the Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s (“FCDC”) comments on that disqualification.
“Today is a good day for those of us who believe in the rule of law and fair and honest elections. The disqualification of Fairfax School Board candidate, Marcia St. John-Cunning, by a Circuit Court Judge, demonstrates that unlawful actions have consequences.
As the 8th District Chairman, I feel compelled to respond to FCDC’s statement issued on this matter. Let me begin by asserting that no party is above the law in our Commonwealth – Democrats included.
The decision by Judge Richard E. Gardiner and the Virginia Department of Elections to disqualify Ms. St. John-Cunning was not an act of disenfranchisement, but a reinforcement of the rule of law. As the Court found, there were legitimate grounds for the disqualification, and that is why we sought legal counsel to look into the matter.
The FCDC’s condemnation of the ruling is misguided and undermines the sanctity of the electoral process. Each party and each candidate are responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements for candidacy are met. Any confusion or disruption here is not the fault of the judicial system or the Republican Party, but rather a consequence of the FCDC’s failure to properly vet its candidate.
The Eighth Congressional District Republican Committee and voters from this District brought this case to uphold our republican processes that ensure only valid candidates reach the ballot. We firmly believe in fair and just elections, and we will not stand by while any party or candidate attempts to bypass the rules that safeguard our electoral process.
Finally, the FCDC’s claim that Republicans are trying to ‘steal’ the school board election in Franconia is an absurd and baseless accusation. Fairfax voters deserve better than a candidate who files a petition with her own imaginary address, and that bare minimum is what the law requires. We urge the FCDC to accept the Court’s decision.
As we move forward, let us remember that our goal should always be to apply the law equally to everyone, not to win elections at any cost. The 8th District Committee will continue to champion the rule of law and work tirelessly for the betterment of Fairfax County.”
Quick Background on Case:
- The Eighth District Republican Committee was made aware of issues concerning the legality of School Board candidate Marcia St. John-Cunning’s ballot petitions.
- The Eighth District Republican Committee challenged the ballot petitions in Fairfax Circuit Court.
- The Court held that the Election Registrar failed in his mandatory legal duty to verify the legality of ballot petitions.
- The petition page under scrutiny, signed by Ms. St. John-Cunning, displayed a fabricated, nonexistent address.
- According to law, all ballot petitions must clearly state the candidate’s residential address; failure to do so invalidates the petition.
- Therefore, this particular petition page that did not cite her address could not legally contribute to her candidacy.
- Maintaining public trust in elections requires consistent application of laws to every candidate, irrespective of her party affiliation or role.
- It is the responsibility of the Election Registrar and County Electoral Board to manage elections using uniform standards set by law.
- The Virginia Department of Elections has taken prompt measures following a judicial ruling. It has determined that Ms. St. John-Cunning is disqualified from the ballot and has updated this information at polling stations and on the Fairfax Election Registrar’s website.
The Committee was represented in this litigation by Trey Mayfield of Juris Day, PLLC.