Ohio's elections chief has directed counties to list Democrat Bill O'Neill on the March 6 primary ballot for Ohio Supreme Court after a signature dispute.
Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted (HYOO'-sted) announced the directive Wednesday. O'Neill would face incumbent Justice Yvette McGee Brown, the first black female to serve on the high court. Brown was appointed to the seat by former Gov. Ted Strickland.
Husted initially ruled O'Neill was seven valid petition signatures shy of qualifying for the ballot. O'Neill sued Friday, alleging at least 13 signatures in 10 counties were improperly disqualified.
Husted said he had reviewed the disputed signatures and believes at least seven are valid. He predicted O'Neill's suit would be dismissed on legal grounds, but said he erred on the side of ballot access.
