Federal judge puts Carl Lewis back on NJ ballot

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In a blow for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s (R) administration, a federal appeals court Tuesday overturned Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno’s decision to remove nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis (D) from the ballot.

Lewis announced in April his intention to seek office as a state Senator. Guadagno, in her role as Christie’s Secretary of State, ruled that he did not meet the four-year residency requirement.

Mark Sheridan, a lawyer working for Burlington County Republicans, told The Associated Press that they would appeal the ruling.

“I think the court absolutely got it wrong,” he insisted. “They applied the wrong standard.”

But Lewis attorney William Tambussi disagreed, saying the court made the right decision.

“Today’s decision puts this matter with the voters of the Eighth Legislative District, where it rightfully belongs,” he said. “We are pleased that the voters now have a meaningful choice.”

The decision came just days before the Thursday deadline for printing ballots.