I don’t live in VA, so I don’t know, but typically a computerized system will match up the exact address as written by the voter on the petition with the address they have on file. Also, this is an open primary, so Dems were signing up as well. And who knows what they were writing.
But as you say, the organizations of Romney and Paul (since they had run and collected signatures there before) made all the difference.
However, I believe the close scrutiny of signatures actually came into effect after the Romney/Paul signatures had been checked. I could be wrong on this; I am simply gleaning this from the fragmentary reports that appear in the press.
In that case, subjecting them to different standards would certainly be illegal.
Whatever the case, I think they should both withdraw, because while the intention of the law may have been good (making sure signatures were legit), its effect combined with the wierdness of having to get a certain number in each county makes it clear that the main agenda was for Party Central (either GOP or Dem) to be able to control the potential nominees.
Romney’s signatures weren’t checked, but since Paul had less than 15,000 all of his were.
And they spent 7 hours doing it.
That’s much more than just running “a computerized system “.
I think you have to credit the RPV with doing due diligence.
You’re right, Paul and Romney would have an easier time getting sigs, quickly, from Dems.
But I don’t see the point to their withdrawing now. I’d guess the court is going to strike down the requirement that pwtitions be gathered by eligible Va voters, but uphold the 10,000 reequirement so they won’t be on the ballot anyway. Don’t see what they would gain.
Might be cynical of me but I see having a ruling now may prevent the Dems from having a different ruling- one in their favor- later in some other circumstance.
And Perry may win...
Otherwise the majority of the votes cast in the Va ‘Republican’ primary may be by Dems!