The Republican who spearheaded a challenge that bumped a Libertarian gubernatorial candidate off Ohio's November ballot testified yesterday to extensive communications with Gov. John Kasich's re-election campaign ahead of the protest, but he rejected suggestions that Kasich's campaign orchestrated the effort.

The Republican who spearheaded a challenge that bumped a Libertarian gubernatorial candidate off Ohio�s November ballot testified yesterday to extensive communications with Gov. John Kasich�s re-election campaign ahead of the protest, but he rejected suggestions that Kasich�s campaign orchestrated the effort.

Terry Casey, a former elections official who is now a GOP consultant, testified in federal court that he discussed his petition challenge against Libertarian Charlie Earl with top Kasich campaign advisers and exchanged many emails and calls with them seeking help with research, paperwork and � mechanics.�

The Libertarian Party of Ohio is suing to have Earl and Libertarian attorney general candidate Steven Linnabary restored to the Nov. 4 ballot. Yesterday, Judge Michael Watson gave each side a day and a half to present its case.

Libertarians say that Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted�s decision to disqualify Earl and Linnabary is unconstitutional because it was based on partisan reasons. Husted has said politics did not play a role in his decision.