McMullin Utah filing raises questions about VP placeholders

Independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin’s decision to use a placeholder name for his running mate is causing Utah lawmakers to re-consider what information is required in candidate filings.

KUTV-TV reports that McMullin filed campaign paperwork in Utah listing Nathan Johnson as his running mate, although he told KUTV he never had any intention of running with Johnson. McMullin has since named Mindy Finn his vice presidential candidate, but the Utah ballot will still include Johnson’s name.

State Rep. Carol Spackman, a Holladay Democrat, says she became concerned when people contacted her asking who Nathan Johnson was. Spackman says she plans to address the issue in the next legislative session.

KUTV says McMullin’s campaign did not provide contact information for Johnson and said its actions have been legal and ethical.

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Information from: KUTV-TV, http://www.kutv.com/