Burlco GOP Statement on

3^rd Circuit Decision in Carl Lewis Case

For Immediate Release

Mount Holly, September 13, 2011 – The following is the official statement of Burlington County Republican Committee campaign consultant Chris Russell on today’s decision by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals regarding Carl Lewis:

"This was a miscarriage of justice and another example of why Americans are losing faith in government institutions that are supposed to treat everyone equally.  By allowing Mr. Lewis on the ballot, two of the three appellate judges today, ignored longstanding legal precedent and tossed aside New Jersey's Constitution.  Their decision effectively eliminates residency requirements to run for office in order to allow a wealthy, celebrity on the ballot.  Mr. Lewis admitted that he never paid income taxes in New Jersey and was not even registered to vote in New Jersey on the day he announced his candidacy; couple that with the fact that he recently voted in California and it’s clear that Mr. Lewis does meet the constitutional residency requirement to run for State Senate in New Jersey.  That said, we are heartened that the Chief Judge of the 3rd Circuit Court dissented from the decision of his colleagues and agreed with us, and the lower courts, that Mr. Lewis should not be on the ballot.  We expect to appeal and are considering our legal options."