Opinion ID: 44626
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The TDP Has Associational Standing

Text: 11 In addition, the TDP has associational standing on behalf of its candidate. 5 Associational standing is a three-part test: (1) the association's members would independently meet the Article III standing requirements; (2) the interests the association seeks to protect are germane to the purpose of the organization; and (3) neither the claim asserted nor the relief requested requires participation of individual members. See Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Adver. Comm'n, 432 U.S. 333, 343, 97 S.Ct. 2434, 53 L.Ed.2d 383 (1977). 12 Here, Nick Lampson, the Democratic party's candidate for DeLay's House seat, would have standing for similar reasons that the TDP has direct standing. The RPT's actions threaten his election prospects and campaign coffers. Persuasive authorities establish that such injuries are sufficient to give a candidate standing to protest the action causing the harm. See Krislov v. Rednour, 226 F.3d 851, 857 (7th Cir.2000); Fulani v. Hogsett, 917 F.2d 1028, 1030 (7th Cir.1990); Fulani v. League of Women Voters Educ. Fund, 882 F.2d 621, 626-27 (2d Cir.1989). In short, the first element of associational standing is satisfied. 13 With respect to the second element of associational standing, the TDP undoubtedly seeks to protect its organizational interests. As the Supreme Court has noted, the goal of a political party is to gain control of government by getting its candidates elected. See Storer, 415 U.S. at 745, 94 S.Ct. 1274. 14 As to Hunt 's third element, nothing requires the participation of Lampson himself. Lampson's interests are fully represented by the TDP; after the primary election, a candidate steps into the shoes of his party, and their interests are identical. As well, the type of relief sought, i.e., an injunction, will inure to Lampson's benefit. See Int'l Union v. Brock, 477 U.S. 274, 287-88, 106 S.Ct. 2523, 91 L.Ed.2d 228 (1986). In sum, the TDP has standing to sue on Lampson's behalf under Hunt. 15 For the foregoing reasons, the TDP had standing to raise its claims before the district court. 6 16