COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A divided Ohio Supreme Court is forcing the state's top elections official to install a Republican elections board member whose appointment she had blocked.
In a 4-3 decision Monday, the court ruled that Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner was outside her authority when she blocked the Summit County Republican Party's choice to fill a vacant elections board seat.
The court says Brunner, a Democrat, must appoint Brian Daley to the board. Brunner rejected Daley's appointment after Democratic officials raised concerns that his appointment would not correct an overly partisan atmosphere at the board.
Brunner had previously rejected the reappointment of Republican Alex Arshinkoff, who she deemed incompetent to serve.
In a 4-3 decision Monday, the court ruled that Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner was outside her authority when she blocked the Summit County Republican Party's choice to fill a vacant elections board seat.
The court says Brunner, a Democrat, must appoint Brian Daley to the board. Brunner rejected Daley's appointment after Democratic officials raised concerns that his appointment would not correct an overly partisan atmosphere at the board.
Brunner had previously rejected the reappointment of Republican Alex Arshinkoff, who she deemed incompetent to serve.