Once an astronaut, not always an astronaut?

Having flown a 2009 mission on the Space Shuttle Discovery, San Joaquin Valley congressional candidate Jose Hernandez may have thought his credentials as an astronaut are without question. Not so claims a Sacramento lawfirm, backed by some California GOP leaders. They argue that you are only an astronaut as long as you can claim it on your tax returns. From the Fresno Bee:

"Hernandez's attempted use of 'astronaut' violates the Election Code's unambiguous requirement that a candidate's ballot designation reflect one's current profession, vocation, or one held during the previous calendar year," the lawsuit states.

While currently unaffiliated with Hernandez's opponent's campaign, it appears the firm has done work for the opponent in the past.

Fresno Bee: Candidate challenged over 'astronaut' title (Thanks, Dennis!)