GOP Lawmaker Quit Over Wife's Email To Carl Lewis

Former Assemblyman said he resigned to spare family public embarrassment

Former Assemblyman Pat Delany resigned because his wife sent "an offensive and racist" email to the Carl Lewis campaign.

Lewis is facing a court challenge over his residency status in his bid to run for state Senate in the 8th District in Burlington County.

Burlington County Republican Chairman Bill Layton confirmed on Monday Delany's resignation and decision not to see a full term in November, because of his wife's note.

PolitickerNJ reported that three sources said Jennifer Delany sent the email on July 7 in response to an email blast issued by the Lewis campaign.

According to those sources, here's the text of the email:

“Imagine, not having to pay NJ state income taxes...It must be nice. Imagine getting a court ruling overturned so your name could get put on the ballot. Imagine having dark skin and name recognition and the nerve to think that equalled (sic) knowing something about politics. Sure, knowing someone with fat purse strings is nice, but you have no knowledge."

“Remove my email. To think you STOLE my email and name from a complaint letter. I'm reporting you as SPAM.”

On Monday, former Assemblyman Delaney issued a statement saying he was "deeply disappointed in his wife's decision to send that email to Lewis' campaign."

"It does not reflect my personal beliefs whatsoever," said Delany.

Delany announced last month that he intended to resign, citing an unspecified family matter. Layton says Delany decided to leave office to shield his three children from "a hurtful and embarrassing public spectacle involving their mother."

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