What is being attempted against Cal Skinner is perfectly in line with what fearful Republicans in Illinois have been trying to do for at least the last 15 years -- prevent any viable third party from becoming established in Illinois.
I also, however, disagree thoroughly with the outlook and tactics of Carla Howell. She is a principled Libertarian, but she -- and her highly questionable campaign manager, Michael Emerling Cloud -- were not respecting fundamental justice in gloating over the Republicans' (temporary) failure to make the Massachusetts senatorial ballot.
Although the "established" parties have wangled themselves vastly lower signature requirements to petition for the (usually) primary ballots, those requirements still are not legitimate.
The only proper rules end up reinstating what was true in most jurisdictions in the 19th Century: allowing parties full autonomy in creating their "slates," AND in printing the ballots with those slates, AND allowing any legally qualified individual to be included on the ballot with reasonable notice to the election authorities.
Almost all Libertarians detest having these laws used against anyone, of any or no party. I have, personally, always signed the petition for ANY candidate to qualify him- or herself for the ballot in my area, no matter what party. Carla Howell, whatever her other considerable Libertarian virtues, does not agree with this, and that is why I and many other LP activists did (and do) not support her.