North Carolina Libertarians file for top statewide elections

RALEIGH, NC (AP) – Members of the North Carolina Libertarian Party have filled up spots on the ballot for top statewide elections next year.

Sean Haugh of Durham is making a repeat bid for US Senate after earning nearly 4 percent of the vote in the 2014 Senate election won by Republican Thom Tillis.

Haugh filed candidacy papers with the State Board of Elections on Wednesday, as did Lon Cecil of High Point for governor and J.J. Summerell for lieutenant governor. Summerell is the state Libertarian Party chairman.

Presidential election years are especially important to North Carolina Libertarians. Their candidate for governor or president must receive 2 percent of the general election vote to remain an official party and avoid a lengthy and costly petition drive to get back on ballots.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)