Lucas County Board of Elections pulls Councilman Jack Ford from November ballot

Independent was running for Ohio senate

The board pointed to Mr. Ford's voting as a Democrat in the May 6 primary and long history of voting and running as a Democrat as some reasons for the removal.

The Lucas County Board of Elections today pulled Councilman Jack Ford from the fall ballot for the race for Ohio Senate after a challenge was made over his voting record.

The board voted 4-0 after a near two-hour meeting held today at One Government Center.

RELATED COMMENTARY: Let Ford run and let the voters decide

The board agreed to uphold a challenge from Democratic Party Chairman Steve Steel, which claimed Mr. Ford is not an independent. He was slated to challenge Democrat Edna Brown for her seat in Columbus.

The board pointed to Mr. Ford's voting as a Democrat in the May 6 primary and long history of voting and running as a Democrat as some reasons for the removal.

Mr. Ford said that he respects the decision by the board but he would consider appealing by filing a writ of mandamus with the Ohio Supreme Court of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

”I am disappointed. We had our day in court. They have made their decision and we will have to live with it,“ he said.

The Republican in the race, Ernest McCarthy, said he had been looking forward to running against both Mr. Ford and Sen. Brown.

”I think the decision was wrong. I think they should leave it up to the people to elect who they want,“ he said.

Ms. Brown could not be reached for comment.