North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Richard Dietz went against his Republican colleagues this week in a case that could have vast implications for future elections in that state and beyond.

Dietz's dissent — in which he cautioned the justices were paving the way for "incredible mischief" that could undercut the electoral system — was aimed at the ruling that allowed Jefferson Griffin, a Republican vying for a spot on the court, to challenge the election victory of Democratic Justice Allison Riggs.

Washington Post Senior Political Reporter Aaron Blake wrote that the ruling could set a precedent for endless election challenges in the future, à la Donald Trump's failed challenge to the 2020 presidential election.

Blake wrote about "the symbolism and potential precedent" the court has now set.

ALSO READ: Trump intel advisor Devin Nunes still dismisses Russian election meddling as a 'hoax'

"Republicans nationwide have spent years calling election results into question, and that’s arguably paid dividends politically — at least for President-elect Donald Trump, who used the baseless perception that he didn’t actually lose in 2020 to retain control of the Republican Party and ultimately win the 2024 election. But to this point their efforts have been stone-cold losers in courts of law. In North Carolina, they could seemingly have a legal foothold — and under pretty remarkable circumstances."

Griffin argued that the state "illegally counted about 60,000 votes from people whose registrations didn’t contain a required driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. He contends that those voters should have been purged from the rolls, and thus their votes shouldn’t count."

Blake laid out the reasons why the ruling allowing more time to review the "invalid" votes was so extraordinary, writing, "This is an effort to invalidate votes, even though there is no indication that they’re fraudulent or that voters would have known they could be problematic."

Blake wrote that although it wasn't clear if Griffin's challenge will succeed, "the door has at least been opened to something rather remarkable that could present a rare win for tormented GOP attempts to overturn elections."

Read The Washington Post article here.

The draft is three weeks away now. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have pieced together an off-season that is earning widespread praise across the league. The question is whether they can stick the landing with their 1st round pick in the draft. Current projections have the top three picks likely being a mix of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter. After that, it gets tricky. People in Chicago want to know where running back Ashton Jeanty will end once the dust settles.

Widespread belief has been that the Las Vegas Raiders are the heavy favorites to take him at 6th overall, with New Orleans at #9 also being a possibility. It makes sense. Las Vegas’ best option right now is a 33-year-old Raheem Mostert. New Orleans knows Alvin Kamara turns 30 in July. Both teams need to think about the future at that position. Both have head coaches who like to run the ball. One thing is clear. A source told SM that those around the league believe one thing is certain.

“He likely won’t get passed Chicago if he falls that far.”

Ashton Jeanty is a strong probability for the Bears.

Whispers from Halas Hall indicate they love the Boise State star. It isn’t hard to see why. He nearly broke Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record in 2024, nearly winning the Heisman in the process. The guy carried his team to the college football playoffs. He’s built like a brick house with power, speed, contact balance, and vision. There aren’t any truly glaring weaknesses in his game. He’s earned comparisons to the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshawn Lynch. The Bears haven’t had a back of that caliber since Matt Forte.

Try to imagine what this offense could look like with Ashton Jeanty, Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Cole Kmet all as options for quarterback Caleb Williams. Throw all of it into Johnson’s offense, and you can understand why some people around the league aren’t wild about the idea. They are quietly hoping Jeanty goes somewhere else. One thing is certain. If he gets past the Raiders, the noise will get loud in a hurry. It would mark the first time in 20 years the Bears have taken a running back in the 1st round.