Two Ballot Labels Rejected

Congressional candidate Jim Gilchrist, known for promoting citizen patrols along the U.S.-Mexico border to thwart illegal immigrants, cannot use “Minuteman movement founder” as his ballot designation in the special election to succeed Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Newport Beach), the California secretary of state’s office said Thursday.

The ballot designation for Republican Edward A. Suppe -- “veteran/international businessman” -- also was rejected, spokeswoman Nghia Nguyen Demovic said.

Gilchrist, representing the American Independent Party, and Suppe have until noon Monday to submit different descriptions for the Oct. 4 special primary election to fill Cox’s 48th District seat.

They are among 17 candidates qualified for the ballot, including 10 Republicans and four Democrats. If no one wins a majority of the vote, the top vote-getters from each party will move on to a Dec. 6 special general election.

The secretary of state’s office rejected any designation for Gilchrist that included the words “Minuteman” or “Minutemen,” said his campaign manager, Howie Morgan.

The names refer to Gilchrist’s campaign to rally volunteers at the border to stem the flow of illegal immigrants.

Being unable to identify with the Minutemen will hurt the retired accountant’s chances with voters, Morgan said. “Let’s face it, Jim’s proud of his movement and he’d love to put it on the ballot,” he said.

Democratic candidate Bea Foster said she protested Gilchrist’s designation with the secretary of state’s office this week as inappropriate campaign advertising.

“Candidates shouldn’t be allowed to use the ballot to promote their organizations,” she said. “It’s not fair to the rest of us.”

The elections code allows ballot designations for identification so candidates can inform voters of their “principal profession, vocation or occupation.”