Lawyers debate as fate of two upstart Nebraska political parties sits in hands of judge

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Two potential new political parties are facing legal challenges that could determine whether they appear on Nebraska’s November ballot.

Attorneys for the America First Party and Nebraska Working People Party made their cases against the state’s two main parties on Monday in Lancaster County District Court, with a decision expected soon.

The timeline is tight. Any court decisions, appeals and final judgments would need to be completed by next week for the parties to field candidates this year.

“We are on a rocket docket here,” Jason Grams, an attorney for the America First Party, said.

Attorneys spent Monday presenting evidence and arguing over state election law and legal precedent.

The Nebraska Republican Party is challenging the America First Party’s ballot status, arguing the party was created by attorney John Cartier to confuse voters rather than provide a separate political option.

“John Cartier’s documented political record reflects progressive political activism inconsistent with the conservative America First identity he seeks to place on the Nebraska ballot,” Julie Slama, an attorney for the NEGOP, said.

Slama cited examples of social media posts and media appearances.

Grams argued that Cartier has also worked with Republicans and has sought an alternative to the Republican Party for conservative voters.

“Put very simply, the Republican Party is not another name for the America First Party,” Grams said.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, a Republican, has said through his attorney that he found the Republican Party’s argument about potential name confusion persuasive. But he also said he did not think he had the authority to prevent the America First Party from appearing on the ballot.

Evnen also said the Democratic Party’s objection to the Working People Party came too late and that the party should remain on the ballot.

The Nebraska Democratic Party and Working Families Party disputed that argument.

“That party will exist into the future, beyond the imminent election at hand,” attorney Chris Dodge said. “And so to say that the same sort of seven-day objection window should apply to both is another mismatch.

Dodge also argued that the name Nebraska Working People Party is too similar to Working Families Party.

Dallas Jones Jr., an attorney for the Nebraska Working People Party, argued that blocking the party from the ballot would violate First Amendment protections.

“Our political system offers voters to participate and share their personal beliefs within a marketplace of ideas, whatever label they choose to be labeled as,” he said.