It\u2019s not easy being Green.<\/p>\n
Yes, that\u2019s an easy lede. But it holds true as hearing dates for Anthony Tupone approach.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the self-described Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) candidate in PA-07 faces two hearings on his nomination petitions in Harrisburg in an attempt to disqualify him from the ballot.<\/p>\n
But a question arises \u2026 why is an attorney affiliated with the Republican National Lawyers Association representing him as a candidate for the GPPA?<\/p>\n
Wally Zimolong, who represented President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee in multiple election-related matters, including obtaining emergency injunctive relief involving voting access issues in Bucks County, is representing Tupone. Zimolong also assisted in coordinating statewide recount and ballot canvassing efforts on behalf of the NRSC and Sen. Dave McCormick.<\/p>\n
The Villanova University graduate and member of the Federalist Society has also appeared on donor lists for Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, as well as McCormick.<\/p>\n
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If that was not enough, Zimolong is also the attorney of record for Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s neighbors in a federal lawsuit against him in a property dispute. <\/p>\n
A request for comment from Zimolong went unanswered.<\/p>\n
Tupone submitted 10,586 signatures on his nomination petition, according to court records, well over the 4,074 required valid signatures of local voters in the Lehigh Valley district. <\/p>\n
But a legal challenge by three women \u2013 Joyce Moore, Susan Baranek, and Louise Dillensnyder \u2013 says \u201cis not truly affiliated with the Green Party but is, in fact, a spoiler candidate to distract progressive voters<\/a> with that party label in an effort to reelect Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. While this fact is not directly relevant to the outcome of this objection, it provides important framework for the irregularities associated with this nomination paper.\u201d They also call into question a number of technical errors could disqualify a large number, putting the requirement in jeopardy.<\/p>\n Democrats are contending that Tupone is a being propped up by dark money groups seeking an advantage in the highly-watched 7th District contest. Tupone ran as a Republican in a 2015 magisterial district judge race, finishing second behind Patricia Broscius.<\/p>\n Bob Brooks, the Democratic challenger to Mackenzie, as well as the Green Party noted that Tupone\u2019s late switch to affiliate with the Greens brings into question his ability to gather more than 10,000 signatures, especially without a paid, professional staff. <\/p>\n