Oregon Public Broadcasting

A Marion County judge Friday rejected a request to list candidates on the ballot under the nominations of multiple parties. Ethan Lindsey reports.

The lawsuit was brought by the Independent Party of Oregon, as well as Republican congressional candidate Joel Haugen - who is running against incumbent Democrat David Wu.

Haugen wanted his name to be listed on the ballot next to both the Republican - and Independent Party labels.

The lawsuit said a recent legislative change had opened the door to that idea.

The judge rejected the request in no uncertain terms. He  called the idea “creative” but said it is against the legislative statute - and inconsistent with the Secretary of State's longtime interpretation of the law.

The chairwoman of the Independent Party says the ruling settles the issue, at least for this year.

Haugen's name will appear on the ballot only as a Republican.