U. S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has denied Bloomington physician David Gill's appeal to remain on the ballot as an independent candidate for Congress.
Kagan, who handles cases from the 7th U. S Court of Appeals, refused to allow the four-time congressional candidate on the ballot, after his spot was denied by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Gill appealed and later won a temporary victory when a federal judge reinstated him, but the appellate court overturned the decision.
Gill, who had hoped to face Republican incumbent Rodney Davis and Democratic challenger Mark Wicklund in the November election, challenged the Election Board's signature requirement for independents, saying it was too honerous.
When reached late last week after announcing he was appealing his case to the nation's highest court, Gill admitted his chances weren't good.
"In all honesty, the way things have been going, it's less than 50-50, but I owe it to my supporters to make this move," Gill Said. As for making a write-in bid, Gill said he's not interested in that.
Gill's case challenging the state's signature requirements will continue.
