DENVER (AP) - Investment banker Doug Robinson, a first-time candidate for public office and a nephew of former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, earned a spot in the Colorado GOP’s gubernatorial primary under an agreement approved by a judge on Wednesday.
Robinson had been disqualified on Friday by Colorado’s Republican secretary of state, Wayne Williams, whose office determined Robinson did not collect enough voter signatures to petition his way onto the primary.
But a subsequent review of 40 disputed signatures by Williams’ office and Robinson’s campaign found they were valid - qualifying Robinson for the June 26 primary. Denver District Judge Ross Buchanan approved an agreement to that effect on Wednesday, said campaign spokeswoman Brett Maney.
The decision came a day after Robinson challenged his disqualification in district court.
Other Republicans seeking to replace Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper, who is term-limited, include state Treasurer Walker Stapleton, former state Rep. Victor Mitchell and former Parker Mayor Greg Lopez.
Democrats competing for their party’s nomination include former state Sen. Mike Johnston, former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy, Lt. Gov Donna Lynne and U.S. Rep. Jared Polis.
Colorado politicians can qualify for primaries via a complicated petition process or by winning enough support at the major party state assemblies.
Six-term U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, a Colorado Springs Republican, has vowed to challenge his disqualification this week from the state GOP primary over invalid voter signatures.
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