Three Libertarian Party candidates seeking statewide and congressional offices in Iowa are facing legal challenges that could prevent their names from appearing on the November General Election ballot.
Nicholas Gluba of Lone Tree, the Libertarian candidate for governor, submitted approximately 8,000 petition signatures to qualify for the ballot—about twice the number required by state law. However, a challenge filed by a Republican voter alleges errors in his nomination paperwork.
According to the objection, Gluba’s home address contains a misspelling in the street name, and his running mate was listed as Jules Cutler rather than her legal name, Julia Cutler.
Gluba dismissed the concerns, saying challenges from Republicans are common whenever Libertarians run for higher office in Iowa.
“It’s the same every time Libertarians run a statewide or higher election,” Gluba said. “The Republican Party is always going to challenge us. We just have to meet the challenges head on.”
Gluba also defended the use of his running mate’s nickname, noting that many politicians appear on ballots using commonly known names rather than their full legal names.
Meanwhile, Libertarian candidate Marco Battaglia of Des Moines, who is running in Iowa’s Third Congressional District, is facing a challenge from two voters who argue he should appear on the ballot under his legal name, Mark T. Anderson. Battaglia told the Des Moines Register that Marco Battaglia is his longtime stage name and compared his situation to former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, who was widely known by a name other than his legal one.
In Iowa’s Second Congressional District, Libertarian candidate Rick Stewart is also facing an objection. The challenge claims Stewart used both “Rick” and “Richard” on different documents submitted as part of his ballot filing paperwork.
All three Libertarian candidates are seeking spots on the ballot in races where Republican candidates are expected to face well-funded Democratic opponents this fall.
The Iowa State Objection Panel is scheduled to meet Monday to review the challenges and determine whether the candidates will remain eligible for the General Election ballot.
