Original Blog Entry: Candidate barred from using a racially charged phrase sues

truesee — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:16:39 GMT

Ieshuh Griffin, an independent candidate for the Wisconsin state Assembly, talks to the media Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at the state Capitol in Madison. (AP Photo/Todd Richmond)

Candidate can't use controversial

Candidate takes expletive fight to court

Ieshuh Griffin running for Wisconsin Assembly

Updated: Friday, 23 Jul 2010, 9:26 AM CDT

Published : Friday, 23 Jul 2010, 9:26 AM CDT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A legislative candidate from Wisconsin barred from using a racially charged phrase to describe herself on the ballot is taking her fight to federal court.

Ieshuh Griffin, an independent running for a downtown Milwaukee seat in the state Assembly, wants to use the phrase, NOT the 'whiteman's b----. '

The state's Government Accountability Board on Wednesday barred her from using the language on the ballot and on Thursday she filed a federal writ of habeas corpus seeking an order allowing the wording.

The board said the wording was pejorative and therefore not allowed. Griffin argues the wording is protected free speech.

State law allows independent candidates to have five words describing themselves placed after their names on the ballot.

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