An attorney representing sitting York County Controller Robb Green filed a challenge Tuesday that asks the court to remove challenger Bonner Smith's name from the Republican primary ballot.

The challenge calls into question a number of signatures Smith and members of his camp collected in order for his name to be on the ballot.

It alleges that a number of signers don't live in York County or aren't Republicans, or that their signatures and addresses are "unidentifiable."

If each questioned signature is stricken from the petitions, Smith wouldn't meet the required 250 needed to run for controller, the challenge says.

Comparing the unidentifiable signatures to the infamous hanging chads from the 2000 presidential election, Smith said Green is nitpicking, adding that he intends to fight the challenge.

"I feel now I have to fight for the people they are trying to say no too," he said. "I will fight for these people."

Signatures: The challenge was submitted to the York County Elections Office on behalf of Green by Marisa Button of CGA Law Firm on Tuesday, the last day to file challenges.

Green could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

All told, Smith collected 390 signatures.

At the heart of the issue, Button argues that a number of signers are were not eligible to sign the petitions.

Button argues that 153 signatures should be removed because of invalid addresses. For example, Button says, some people who signed Smith's petition live in Adams County and not York County.

The challenge also says that 146 signatures should be removed because some signers aren't Republicans, that their signatures and addresses are unidentifiable or the signatures are duplicates.

Forms: The challenge also alleges that Smith did not properly fill out parts of the petition, as required by the state's election code. That would make Smith ineligible to run for office, the challenge says.

The challenge alleges Smith did not disclose his occupation as mayor of Stewartstown. Smith lists his occupation as a registered nurse, a job he said he works once a week.

The challenge also says Smith didn't list his full name of Bonner Mayo Smith III. Smith said his son, Bonner Mayo Smith IV, lives in Mount Wolf.

Though he hasn't read the challenge, Smith said it serves as inspiration in the upcoming election against Green, who has held the position for two four-year terms.

"I'm more inspired now for the election than I ever was," he said.

- Reach Greg Gross at ggross@yorkdispatch.com.