EAST CHICAGO | The Indiana Supreme Court is reaffirming the right of City Councilman Anthony Copeland, D-at large, to run for re-election Nov. 6 as an independent candidate.

Three city Democrats were challenging Copeland's campaign on grounds he couldn't run for a new term as an independent while continuing to hold his council seat under the Democratic party label.

The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration ruled against Copeland earlier this month and removed his name for the ballot.

Lake Superior Court Judge Diane Kavadias Schneider ruled last week Copeland's political strategy is proper under state law and returned him to the ballot.

The Supreme Court, in an order dated Tuesday, refused to review Kavadias Schneider decision.

"My opponents tried to take the path of least resistance, but my opponents must now show up on election day. Only the people can take my job away from me," Copeland said.

Kenneth Reed, who represents those challenging Copeland, couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.

Copeland was elected in 2003 to an at-large council seat as a Democrat and was named chairman of the city's Democratic organization in 2005.

He chose earlier this year to run for the party's nomination for mayor rather than for re-election to the council. Incumbent Mayor George Pabey defeated Copeland and three other Democratic candidates.

Copeland switched gears and resigned in July as city Democratic chairman for his independent run for re-election.