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• Earlier in the week, Barnett also ruled that Charles Johnson of Madison can be placed on the ballot to run for the state Senate even though his nominating petition was technically flawed. Johnson will face Senate Majority Leader Russell Olson, R-Wentworth, in the November election in District 8.
• In both cases, Barnett said Gant acted properly in rejecting the petitions filed by Johnson and Mitchell because the secretary of state must strictly apply the laws and rules to avoid the ap

pearance that he is favoring one candidate or political party over another.
• The judge said state law and prior court rulings give the courts authority to decide whether nominating petitions substantially comply with the laws and election rules.
•

• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Authorities in Sioux Falls say a missing parolee is back in custody.
• The Department of Corrections says 21-year-old Daniel Brisbin left the minimum-security facility on the State Penitentiary grounds without permission shortly after 9 a.m. Friday. He had been serving sentences for grand theft and burglary out of Minnehaha County.
• Shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, authorities say Brisbin was located in Sioux Falls. He is in custody.

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