Wis. candidate can't use controversial description

2010-07-21 12:48:00 PDT Madison, WI 53700, United States — (07-21) 12:48 PDT Madison, Wis. (AP) --

An election oversight board says a legislative candidate can't use a profane, racially charged phrase to describe herself on the Wisconsin ballot. Ieshuh Griffin, of Milwaukee, is an independent running for the state Assembly. She contends free speech allows her to use the phrase, "NOT the 'whiteman's b---.'"

State law lets independent candidates list five words after their names on the ballot. The state Government Accountability Board ruled Wednesday that Griffin's choice was pejorative and not allowed.

Three of the five members of the all-white board who voted actually support Griffin, who is black. Four were needed for approval.

Griffin says she will seek an injunction in federal court to let her use the phrase.