Liberty Vote Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Mike Lindell
Mike Lindell, the leading GOP candidate for Minnesota governor, is no longer facing a defamation lawsuit from Liberty Vote, formerly known as Dominion Voting Systems. Attorneys for both parties filed to dismiss the 2021 case with prejudice on Monday, meaning the claims regarding 2020 election rigging cannot be refiled.
Why was the lawsuit against Mike Lindell dismissed?
The lawsuit began in 2021 after the MyPillow founder accused the company of rigging the 2020 presidential election. On Monday, attorneys for Lindell and the company filed to dismiss the case with prejudice.
The company underwent a significant transition in October when it was purchased by a firm run by a former Republican elections official. Now operating as Liberty Vote, the company has vowed to prioritize hand-marked and paper-based ballots.
This dismissal follows a similar pattern for the company, which settled a case with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani nine months ago regarding similar election-rigging claims.
What other legal challenges does Lindell face?
Despite the Monday dismissal, Lindell continues to navigate other legal battles. In June, a federal jury in Colorado found that Lindell defamed a former employee of Dominion.
Additionally, a federal judge determined in the fall that Lindell defamed the tech company Smartmatic. That case is currently in progress to determine if “actual malice” occurred, which could result in damages.
How is Mike Lindell performing in the Minnesota governor’s race?
Lindell currently leads the GOP gubernatorial race as the primary election approaches, according to a KSTP/SurveyUSA poll released earlier this month.
However, his campaign faces scrutiny over the legality of his promotional giveaways. Experts suggest that giving away books and pillows may violate campaign finance laws.
No official finding of wrongdoing has been posted regarding these giveaways at this time.
What may happen next?
Lindell’s political trajectory could be influenced by the outcome of the Smartmatic case, as a finding of actual malice may lead to monetary damages. His campaign may also face official inquiries if experts’ concerns regarding campaign finance laws lead to a formal investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the case was dismissed “with prejudice”?
It means the case cannot be refiled for the same purposes.
Who is currently leading the GOP race for Minnesota governor?
According to a KSTP/SurveyUSA poll, Mike Lindell is leading the race.
What is the current status of the Smartmatic lawsuit?
A federal judge has determined that Lindell defamed the company, and the case is now proceeding to determine if “actual malice” warrants damages.
How do you think these legal developments will influence the upcoming primary election?