Downstate judge rules in favor of GOP in paper clip flap

MURPHYSBORO — A southern Illinois judge has ruled in favor of three Republican candidates booted off the November ballot for using paper clips instead of staples on their filings.

KFVS-TV reports that Jackson County Circuit Judge Todd Lambert has ordered that the GOP candidates for circuit clerk, state’s attorney and county board be returned to the ballot. Lambert ruled that paper clips are secure enough.

A Democrat-controlled election board kicked the candidates off the ballot in June for not stapling their nomination papers.