TRENTON — Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno will not make a decision today on whether Olympic track and field star Carl Lewis has lived in New Jersey long enough to stay on the ballot for state Senate. Division of Elections spokesman Shawn Crisafulli said Guadagno, who in her dual role as secretary of state presides over the division, will make...
Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis plans to run for New Jersey State Senate. TRENTON — Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno will not make a decision today on whether Olympic track and field star Carl Lewis has lived in New Jersey long enough to stay on the ballot for state Senate.
Division of Elections spokesman Shawn Crisafulli said Guadagno, who in her dual role as secretary of state presides over the division, will make a decision “as soon as possible next week upon the receipt of all necessary records.”
An administrative law judge Wednesday dismissed an attempt by Republicans to kick Lewis off the ballot, but did not rule on the merits of whether Lewis met the state’s four year residency requirement. The judge’s order is not binding, leaving the decision resting with Guadagno.
Guadagno's decision can be appealed.
Lewis grew up in Willingboro, but recently lived in Los Angeles and Houston. He bought his first homes in New Jersey in 2005 but voted in California as late as 2009.
Last week, he declared he would run for state Senate against incumbent Dawn Addiego (R-Burlington) in the Republican-leaning 8th Legislative Distirct.
"We believe that when all the facts are considered, and the full record is developed, Mr. Lewis will be ruled ineligible to run," said Addiego spokesman Chris Russell. "We are gratified that the Secretary of State is taking the time to thoroughly and carefully consider this very important decision."
Democrats say Lewis meets the state’s residency requirement, but it shouldn’t matter because it would likely be ruled unconstitutional anyway. Ten years ago, a federal court ruled New Jersey’s one-year legislative district residency requirement violated the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.
Previous coverage:
• Judge dismisses Republican attempt to block Senate ballot of Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis
• Carl Lewis testifies at NJ residency challenge
• Republicans challenge N.J. Senate candidacy of Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis
• Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis announces plans to run for N.J. Senate
• Democrats in talks with Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis for legislative run