Document: 419 U.S. 477 95 S.Ct. 541 42 L.Ed.2d 595 William COUSINS et al., Petitioners,v.Paul T. WIGODA al. No. 73—1106. Argued Nov. 11, 1974. Decided Jan. 15, 1975. Syllabus Petitioners (Cousins delegates) challenged before the National Democratic Party Credentials Committee, as violative of guidelines, seating respondents (Wigoda who had been elected from Chicago districts at March 1972 Illinois primary election delegates to Convention be held in July 1972. The Committee decided that Cousins should seated instead Wigoda delegates, who, on 8, 1972, two days opened, were granted an injunction by Circuit Court enjoining group acting Convention. nevertheless and functioned delegates. Appellate affirmed, holding '(t)he right sit a delegate representing national nominating convention is governed exclusively Election Code,' 'interest State protecting effective participate primaries superior whatever other interests party itself might wish protect.' In another suit, which brought District for Columbia, one Keane, delegate, constitutionality guidelines allegedly violated delegates' selection. sustained dismissed Keane's suit while denying Party's counterclaim against proceeding with state-court action. Appeals 5 affirmed dismissal but counterclaim. This per curiam opinion stayed judgment later, having petition certiorari, vacated Appeals' remanded detrmination mootness. thereafter case moot insofar it involved completed Keane suit. addition their arguments merits, petitioners contend language established Convention's decide credentials contest, this Court's action staying, not vacating, left res judicata bar injunction. Held: 1. unqualifiedly suspended operative effects without resolving merits controversy; petitioners' contention open consideration, pleaded proved required state law. Pp. 485—487. 2. selection candidates office serves pervasive interest, paramount any interest integrity its electoral process, erred issuing abridged associational rights determine composition accordance standards. 487—491. 14 Ill.App.3d 460, 302 N.E.2d 614, reversed. Wayne W. Whalen, Chicago, Ill., petitioners. Jerome H. Torshen, respondents. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered Court. 1 At election, Chicago's voters 59 Miami, Fla. Some ground, among others, slate-making procedures under selected incorporated Call On June 30, Findings Report Hearing Officer chosen violation guidelines,1 also adopted Officer's recommendation unseated (who private caucuses Chicago) stead. 2 obtained Cook County, enjoined each 'from or purporting act . (and) performing functions receiving accepting credentials, badges indicia status ..'2 Nevertheless when 10 Committee's they took seats participated fully throughout consequence, proceedings adjudge criminal contempt 8 are pending awaiting decision case. 3 injunction, 614 (1973),3 Supreme Illinois, opinion, November 29, 1973, denied leave appeal. '(t) he id., 472, N.E.2d, 626, rejected attempting enforce Code, preventing them participating Convention, right, Party, freedom political activity association assured First Fourteenth Amendments. stated: 4 '(T)he purposes reform no way take precedence over Code (Ill.Rev.Stat. 1971, ch. 46, § 7—1 seq.). opening section Article 7 deals making nominations parties (§ 7—1), most clear discussing conventions, states: ". (D)elegates alternate conventions all shall made manner provided 7, otherwise." Id., 471, 625. 6 law supreme rules contrary effect. .' 475, 627. 'The protect. 477, 629. 'Since (respondents) admittedly position operation statute, court finds trial courts' injunctions did abrogate (petitioners') fundamental constitutional free association. 479, 631. 9 We certiorari important question presented whether was correct according primacy Political determination qualifications eligibility 415 956, 94 1483, 39 571 (1974).4 reverse. * There threshold we discuss issue. During Columbia twice considered Thomas E. Party. That intervened counter-claimed initially appeal because yet challenge, v. 1010—72 (DC 19, 1972); Na- ( DC Cir. 20, 1972). After announced adoption Report, proceeded. 72—1562 pra, Appeals, 5, directing entry order tutionality Guideline C—6, see n. 1, supra Brown O'Brien, 152 U.S.App.D.C. 157, 469 F.2d 563. Court, however, Special Term 409 92 2718, 34 October 10, 816, 93 67, 73. February 16, concerned found basis relief matter, entered affirming dismissing 155 18, 475 1287. 11 Based upon these events, argue jurisdiction enter notwithstanding stay judgment. argument relies reference supporting 'the large public allowing processes function judicial supervision,' U.S., S.Ct., 2720, which, argue, 'established particular circumstances case, contest.' Brief p. 20. merit. us order, terms, unambiguously effect qualification entirety, nothing quoted excerpt wise qualified effect.5 agree therefore, 'completely froze including directed thereby proceed.' Ill.App.3d, 468, 622—623. 12 further event 'did alter binding collateral estoppel (Court Appeals) so permit attack courts.' 28. need address argument. ground defense Svalina Saravana, 341 Ill. 236, 173 N.E. 281 (1930). 469, 623.6 have disagreement 'that (petitioners) neither formally nor attempted prove claim based Circuit.' Ibid.7 constitutes adequate forecloses possess review defense. See, e.g., Louisville & N.R. Co. Woodford, 234 739, 58 L.Ed. 1202 (1914). Accordingly, turn consideration question. II 13 adherents enjoy constitutionally protected 'There can longer doubt associate others common advancement beliefs ideas form 'orderly activity' one's choice integral part basic freedom.' Kusper Pontikes, 414 51, 56—57, 303, 307, 38 260 (1973). 'And course federal encroachment Amendment entitled same protection infringement States.' Williams Rhodes, 393 23, 30—31, 89 21 24 (1968). Moreover, '(a)ny interference simultaneously adherents.' Sweezy New Hampshire, 354 234, 250, 77 1203, 1212, 1311 (1957); NAACP Button, 371 415, 431, 83 328, 337, 405 (1963). rely principles that, since fashioned effectuate barring serving constituted unconstitutional 'significant interference' Bates Little Rock, 361 516, 523, 80 412, 416, 480 (1960); supra, 58, 308. 15 conceded enjoyed 'fundamental association.' 470, 624. justified words, identified State's legitimate votes cast impairment would result stripping elected-delegate status. 16 observe outset compliance effectuation objective seat obligation free, concede,8 vacant thus defeat objective. 17 proceed, considering asserted justifies Even though legitimate, "subordinating must compelling' justify injunction's abridgment exercise Alabama, 357 449, 463, 78 1163, 1172, 1488 (1958). 18 Respondents compelling citizens Federal Constitutions suffrage. They numerous statements vote preservative rights.' Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 370, 1064, 1071, 30 220 (1886); Reynolds Sims, 377 533, 562, 84 1362, 1381, 506 (1964); 31, 10; Kramer Union School District, 395 621, 1886, 1889, 23 583 (1969); Dunn Blumstein, 330, 336, 995, 999, 31 274 (1972). But overlook significant fact suffrage execised elect Consideration special such militates persuasively conclusion interest. Delegates perform task importance every citizen Nation regardless residence. vital business nomination offices President Vice United States. To end, 'affiliated through acceptance call send convention.' Ray Blair, 343 214, 225, 72 654, 659, 96 894 (1952). States themselves mandated role great Presidential Vice-Presidential candidates.9 If Conventions 'each fifty states could establish various regard policy, obviously intolerable result.' Cousins, 342 F.Supp. 82, 86 (N.D.Ill.1972). Such regime seriously undercut indeed destroy effectiveness concerted enterprise engaged process choosing candidates—a usually involves coalitions cutting across lines.10 office, greater than individual State. necessity performance underscored Pitney's admonition likelihood candidate succeeding practically negligible. As practical ultimate cloice mass predetermined made.' Newberry States, 256 232, 286, 41 484, 65 913 (1921) (dissenting opinion). 19 Thus, Illinois' cannot deemed context Whatever actions presenting claims exercised within confines Constitution—and here—this where (was) proper forum determining intraparty disputes (should) seated.' O'Brien Brown, 4, 20 Reversed. REHNQUIST, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE STEWART join, concurring result. 22 members secured Amendments Constitution. gather formulate proposed programs nominate very heart assembly has earlier cases (1958); City Healy James, 408 169, 2338, 33 266 sufficient authorize flat prohibition efforts Illinois. issued direct severe conceived. Beside it, sort 'subtle governmental referred pales. means downplay legitimacy assuring pursuant processes, presumably view majority party's electors State, authority choose contesting delegations, do believe support total restriction assemble, fellow party, urge While arrives substantially conclusion, doing seems use unnecessarily broad language, intimate views questions disclaims intimation views, virtually head 25 Footnote following questions: '(1) decisions area constitute .. (2) subject reapportionment decisions, restraints, methods allocation. (3) what extent regulable by, only Congress.' immediately disclaimer, proceeds cite opinions courts appeals district courts, well commentaries, unsophisticated mind seem portend answer questions. Conspicuous absence footnote slightly more years ago, reviewed Circuit. those taken 'state action' Amendment, proceeded apply interpretation orders cases, saying: 26 'It understood our first came into being voluntary associations individuals intra-party seated. involve power judiciary heretofore thought lie control parties. Highly concerning justiciability, action, if reach Due Process Clause unique context. Vital guaranteed Constitution involved. unwilling undertake final resolution full briefing opportunity deliberation, entertain grave doubts Appeals.' 4—5, 2720. (Emphasis supplied.) 27 distinguished Terry Adams, 345 461, 73 809, 97 1152 (1953), Smith Allwright, 321 649, 64 757, 88 987 (1944), both cited present invidious discrimination race contest single 28 reason recede used therefore find citation virtual repudiation it. says, ante, 491: 29 'Whatever '. (1972).' dealing, deal here, Constitution, used. issue think better procedure go beyond already said foreshadow results us.1 states, 490, 'serves State.' may perfectly apt statement fact, vague contained fact—that served transcends boundaries State—weighs favor scale balances process. dissenting Pitney New-berry 285, (1921), more, does there 'national interest' standing alone, apart valid congressional legislation provision, override regulation situation. 32 Nor characterization says candidates.' Ante, 489—490. Under Art. II, given 'appoint, Manner Legislature thereof direct' electors.2 See re Green, 134 377, 379, 586, 587, 951 (1890); McPherson Blacker, 146 27—28, 3, 36 869 (1892); (1952); Oregon Mitchell, 400 112, 291, 91 260, 347, 272 (1970) (opinion Stewart, J., joined Burger, C.J., Blackmun, J.). system, residual areas validly enacted legislation. us, 'constitutionally role' selecting candidates, flatly prohibiting asserting is, concur reached rest unequivocally assemble Amendments, hint issues here previously resolved cases. POWELL, part. I compelled disagree, enjoin sitting limited extent, dissent. 35 comprehensive scheme regulating Ill.Rev.Stat., c. seq. (1973), defeated challenge election. 7—63. duly city Chicago. Petitioners, part, people lost eventually delegation. but, rather, successfully ousted elected. concluded 37 'most certainly force representatives, elective mandate.' 631 statement. Had court's infringed whomever pleases, petitioners, large. hand, represented democratic Accordingly affirm barred purporting, law, represent certain Stat.* violations Guidelines A—1 (minority participation), A—2 (women youth A—5 (existence rules), C—1 (adequate notice affairs), C—4 (timing selection), C—6 (slate-making). Cecil F. Poole, (June 25, follows: 'C—6 Slate-making 'In mandating meaningful 1968 meant prohibit practice difficult Democrats participate. Since nominated positions slates potential formed crucial actually selected, Commission requires Parties extend guarantees When controls, make feasible repeal, amend otherwise modify laws accomplish stated purpose. 'Furthermore, whenever caucuses, meetings, committees, primary, adopt assure that: '1. bodies up elected, assembled, appointed task; '2. persons slate will facilitate widespread participation proviso name presidential assembled due consultation his representative. '3. Adequate procedural safeguards perfunctory places undue burden challengers. 'When purpose.' For comments development Schmidt Contests Conventions, 82 Harv.L.Rev. 1438 Segal, Delegate Selection Standards: Experience, Geo.Wash.L.Rev. 873 (1970); Structure Selection: Mandate Reform (1970), reprinted 117 Cong.Rec. 32909 (1971). filed April interval between filing occurred Northern related removed court. May jurisdiction. D.C., 82. Seventh Circuit, unpublished remand. 72—1384. remand pending, own seeking rights. 9, after trial, preliminary Wigoda, Civil 72C 1108. reversed 29. 463 603. Petitioners' application Rehnquist, Justice, 1201, 2610, 15. August 2, post-convention caucus select representatives serve until 1976 complied caucus. plans validity analytically indistinguishable today applies injunctions. emphasize today. of, as: (1) and, so, doctrine counsel intervention. concede, agree, '(i)n instant necessary ..' 47. 563 (1972); Georgia 145 102, 447 1271 (1971); Executive Georgia, 288 (N.D.Ga.1968); Lynch Torquato, Cir., 370 (CA3 1965). Texas White Primary Cases, Nixon Herndon, 273 536, 47 446, 71 759 (1927); Condon, 286 73, 52 76 984 (1932); (1944); (1953). differing commentators, Note, Legal Issues Beyond, Loyola U. Chi.L.J. 137 (1973); Regulation Parties: Vote Dilution Nomination Procedure, 54 Iowa L.Rev. 471 (1968); Chambers Rotunda, Nominating 56 Val.L.Rev. 179 Constitutional Safeguards Presidental Yale L.J. 1228 Comment, One Man, U.Chi.L.Rev. 536 Bellamy, Applicability Allocation 892 Raymar, Judicial Review Contests: Experience Intervention Candidate Process: Step Backwards, N.Y.U.L.Rev. 1184 Compare Bode 373, 452 1302 (1971), Irish Democratic-Farmer-Labor 399 119 (CA8 1968); Gray Sanders, 372 368, 378 801, 807, 821 history century resolutions machinery R. Bain J. Parris, Decisions Voting Records (2d ed. 1973); Goldstein, 40 U.Cin.L.Rev. Congress. 275, 480, (Pitney, dissenting); Horn, Groups 17—18 (1956); Freedom Association Cornell 148, 152—160 (1970). Our applications stays judgments granted.' 2721. applied companion (1972), challenges California delegation unavailable reasons, difference Keane: central cause (Ill.Rev.Stat.1971, seq.), plaintiffs provisions office. litigation ensued 468—469, 623. Indeed, maintain 'presented' 'argued' judge, pleaded. 45. argued despite stay, couch terms Transcript pp. 25—30, possible representation 46. concede entitle accept Early Members Congress belonging Parties. Goodman, Two-Party System 153—158 (3d 1964). recent proposals regional nominees. York Times, Apr. 12, col. (five Senator Packwood; Senators Mansfield Aiken). Several delegations disputes. 283—284, 323 (1973) (1952 Republican delegation; Mississippi delegation). Gratuitous observations particularly inappropriate long eschewed passing presented. sensitive nature relating pointed out James Wilson, commenting set forth Constitution: 'This greatly divided House, divide doors. It truth decide.' M. Farrand, 1787, 501 (Rev. 1937). provides part: 'Each appoint, direct, Number Electors Time chusing Electors, Day give Votes intimates regarding regulate conventions. Congressional raises different considerations requiring wholly balance.

Category: 9