How the Texas GOP’s bid to block lawmakers from the ballot defies a century of court precedent

" How the Texas GOP’s bid to block lawmakers from the ballot defies a century of court precedent " was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

The year was 1930, and Texas Democrats had a problem.

State Sen. Thomas B. Love had declared his intention to run for governor as a Democrat, just months after he campaigned for Republican presidential nominee Herbert Hoover. For this unacceptable breach of party loyalty, the State Democratic Executive Committee wanted him off the primary ballot.

But they could do no such thing, the Texas Supreme Court said , ruling that Texas’ election laws “jealously guard the voters’ power” by compellin