
Finkenauer lawyer asks Iowa Supreme Court to return her to primary ballot in fight over signatures
CNN
A lawyer for Iowa Senate hopeful Abby Finkenauer urged the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to place her back on this year's Democratic primary ballot after a judge ruled Sunday night that she had fallen short of the state's signature requirements for qualification as a candidate.
The court's decision, expected by the end of the week, will determine the fate of the campaign of the former congresswoman, whom most Democrats consider to be their strongest challenger to Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. The longtime senator is seeking an eighth term this fall.
A pair of Republicans had challenged Finkenauer's candidacy, arguing that she had not met the state's signature requirements -- 3,500 valid signatures, including at least 100 signatures from at least 19 counties — because three signatures did not have dates.

The Trump administration is preparing to use private military contractors to protect oil and energy assets in Venezuela rather than deploying US troops, according to two sources familiar with the plans, setting up a potential boon for security firms with experience in the region and ties to the administration.

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