(Image source from: The Virginian-Pilot)

A judge ruled to strike independent candidate Shaun Brown's name from the 2nd Congressional District ballot on Wednesday.

"I have no doubt in my mind that there are instances of forgery," said Richmond Circuit Judge Gregory Rupe.

Earlier in the day, Judge Rupe ruled Representative Scott Taylor did not have to testify in a lawsuit that accuses members of his campaign staff of forging signatures to help Brown get on the ballot.

Rupe repressed the subpoena after agreeing with Taylor's attorney that under state law, he is excused from the subpoena while the House of Representatives is in session.

Democrats sued state election officials to remove Brown from the November 6 ballot in the competitive United States House race.

Taylor, a Republican, has said he knew his staff was circulating petitions for Brown, but he denounced the use of false signatures.

A spokesperson from Scott Taylor's Office, Scott Weldon, made the following statement:

"Given that the Democrat lawsuit was purely political and has now successfully excluded Shaun Brown, it's understandable that individuals would exercise their right not to testify today. Our campaign will continue to cooperate with the investigation and make no further comment while it is ongoing."

Democrats claim Taylor's campaign wanted Brown on the ballot to bolster's Taylor's re-election by weakening support for his Democratic opponent, Elaine Luria.

A separate special investigation is being conducted by the special prosecutor.

By Sowmya Sangam