Resolution of ND prop tax debate case not likely

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says the lawsuit over North Dakota's property tax debate probably won't be resolved before the June election.

The argument is about Measure 2. It's a constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes.

The measure's supporters sued several public officials. They said the officials were spreading lies about the measure and spending tax money to fight it.

A judge dismissed the lawsuit. The case is being appealed to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Backers of the measure want a ruling before the election.

Stenehjem says if Measure 2 supporters win in the Supreme Court, there will need to be a trial and that wouldn't happen for months.

Stenehjem and Tax Commissioner Cory Fong say the lawsuit was meant to silence the measure's critics. The amendment's supporters deny that.

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