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September 17, 2004

State Judge Rules Nader Ineligible For N.M. Ballot


   
   
   
By Dan McKay
Journal Staff Writer
       Ralph Nader was knocked off the New Mexico ballot Friday when a state judge ruled that he is ineligible to run as an independent candidate in the state.
    District Judge Wendy York said in a decision released late Friday afternoon that because Nader is affiliated with political parties in other states, he cannot run without affiliation   —   or as an independent   —   in New Mexico.
    The hearing was in response to a Democrat-backed lawsuit to remove Nader's name from the ballot.
    Some Democrats fear Nader's candidacy could help President George W. Bush in the close contest for New Mexico's five electoral votes.
    Underscoring the state's importance, Democratic nominee John Kerry was in Albuquerque Thursday and Friday, his fifth visit to the state.