The state of Erehwon has a statute providing that an unsuccessful candidate in a primary election for a party's nomination for elected public office may not become a candidate for the same office at the following general election by nominating petition or by write-in votes. Sabel sought her party's nomination for governor in the May primary election. After losing in the primary, Sabel filed nominating petitions containing the requisite number of signatures to become a candidate for the office of governor in the following general election. The chief elections officer of Erehwon refused to certify Sabel's petitions solely because of the above statute. Sabel then filed suit in federal district court challenging the constitutionality of this Erehwon statute. As a matter of constitutional law, which of the following is the proper burden of persuasion in this suit? 
Sabel must demonstrate that the statute is not necessary to achieve a compelling state interest. Sabel must demonstrate that the statute is not rationally related to a legitimate state interest. The state must demonstrate that the statute is the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling state interest. The state must demonstrate that the statute is rationally related to a legitimate state interest.
Question: The state of Erehwon has a statute providing that an unsuccessful candidate in a primary election for a party's nomination for elected public office may not become a candidate for the same office at the following general election by nominating petition or by write-in votes. Sabel sought her party's nomination for governor in the May primary election. After losing in the primary, Sabel filed nominating petitions containing the requisite number of signatures to become a candidate for the office of governor in the following general election. The chief elections officer of Erehwon refused to certify Sabel's petitions solely because of the above statute. Sabel then filed suit in federal district court challenging the constitutionality of this Erehwon statute. As a matter of constitutional law, which of the following is the proper burden of persuasion in this suit? 
A. Sabel must demonstrate that the statute is not necessary to achieve a compelling state interest.
B. Sabel must demonstrate that the statute is not rationally related to a legitimate state interest.
C. The state must demonstrate that the statute is the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling state interest.
D. The state must demonstrate that the statute is rationally related to a legitimate state interest.
Answer: