WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. July 10, 2003 UPDATED 4:50 P.M. E.D.T.: Daniel Hickey, challenger of Republican Party-designated candidates for Common Council, Jeffrey Binder, Rosa Munoz and TimSheehan, filed a "General Objection" with the Board of Elections Wednesday  to the designating petitions of  the Republican trio, attempting to have the Board of Elections throw them off the ballot.

At a news conference this morning, the stung Republican nominees said Mr. Hickey filed the objection "without first examining the Binder/Munoz/Sheehan petitions." Hickey, who was present, said he had not had time to examine the petitions, and simply wanted to protect his rights to examine the signatures. Hickey stated he did not plan to carry the legal process forward. The designated nominees alleged that Hickey simply filed the wrong form, (there is a general objection form and a form to request review of petition signatures), and questioned his judgment.

Jeffrey Binder, speaking to WPCNR moments ago, amplified his comments, charging that Hickey deliberately filed the general objection form, because he asked Carolee Sunderland, the Co-Chair of the Board of Elections about how he could file a General Objection form about 10 days ago. Binder said this clearly indicated that Hickey had deliberately planned to file the General Objection, and said he and his two running mates were not "stunned," they were "outraged."

Carolee Sunderland confirmed Mr. Binder's report to WPCNR Thursday evening, saying Hickey had come into the Board of Elections two weeks ago asking how he could file an objection, and did so again the day petitions were due.