A federal judge has ruled against Carl Lewis’s bid to be reinstated as a state Senate candidate in Burlington County, N.J.
U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman upheld New Jersey's four-year residency rule on Thursday. The judge said the requirement does not violate Lewis' constitutional guarantee of equal protection.
The ruling is not the end of Lewis’ efforts as the Democratic candidate in the 8th District. His lawyers have also filed suit in state appellate court. Judge Philip Carchman has given all parties until 12 noon on Friday to submit briefs on their positions.
Lewis' candidacy was challenged by Republicans soon after the 49-year-old Willingboro native announced his intention to run as a Democrat for the state Senate seat representing the area where he grew up.
Earlier this week Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, in her dual role as Secretary of State, ruled Lewis was ineligible to run. She said he didn't meet the four-year residency rule for candidates and ordered his name stricken from the ballot.
Lewis said he would continue campaigning while all of the appeals are considered.
The 49-year old nine-time Olympic gold medal winner would be challenging state Sen. Dawn Marie Addiego in November.
