Court dismisses challenge of Schneller signatures

A court challenge of signatures collected by an independent candidate was withdrawn Thursday by supporters of Republican U.S. House candidate Pat Meehan.

A state court ruled against the challenge over Jim Schneller's candidacy and the Meehan supporters chose not to pursue it further. Supporters of Democratic candidate Bryan Lentz helped circulate nominating petitions for Schneller, who espouses conservative views and could siphon votes from Meehan.

"The court has made its decision, and I respect that," said James Gardner Colins, attorney for the Meehan supporters. "However, I continue to believe that Mr. Schneller's candidacy was disingenuously bolstered by Democrats, and he would not be on the ballot if it were not for a coordinated effort by the Lentz campaign."

Meehan, a former U.S. attorney, is battling Lentz, a veteran of combat in Iraq, for the Seventh District seat of Rep. Joe Sestak, who is running for U.S. Senate.

Meehan's campaign remains upset that Schneller has been allowed to continue in the race.

"However, we respect the ruling of the court and do not feel it is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and the court's time to continue to pursue the challenge to Mr. Schneller's petitions," said Bryan Kendro, Meehan's campaign manager.