Judge rules candidate ineligible in competitive GOP Senate primary

A judge has ruled a candidate in a competitive GOP Senate race is ineligible because she just recently moved back to West Virginia after many years out of state.

Kanawha Circuit Judge Duke Bloom issued the ruling this afternoon, declaring that political newcomer Andrea Kiessling, a 35-year-old living in Spencer, is ineligible.

The judge based that on a state constitutional requirement that political candidates be residents of the state five years prior to running for office. Until the last couple of years, Kiessling voted, paid her taxes and was licensed to drive in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bloom ordered the Secretary of State to withdraw Kiessling’s certificate of candidacy and for votes for Kiessling not to be counted. Clerks in the district are supposed to post signage in polling place doors stating that Kiessling isn’t eligible.

The Secretary of State’s Office intends to adhere to the ruling and will call an emergency meeting of the State Elections Commission to comply, said Mike Queen, spokesman for the office.

After Bloom’s ruling was filed, the lawyer for Kiessling asked for a stay and the judge denied it. The next possibility is going to the state Supreme Court.

“The Court finds that Respondent has demonstrated little likelihood of success on appeal,” Bloom wrote. “Further, the Court finds that third parties will be greatly prejudiced by issuance of a stay, as early voting has already begun and Respondent Kiessling would remain on the ballot despite being found to be ineligible.”

Kiessling posted a video to say she doesn’t believe the challenge is over.

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