New Jersey GOP lawmaker resigns after wife's racist email

A New Jersey lawmaker has resigned from office after his wife delivered a racially charged e-mail to possible campaign opponent and former Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis.

According to Politicker NJ, Republican Pat Delany decided to leave abruptly last month after his wife Jeanie sent an email to the Lewis campaign saying, “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."

Later, the wife of the assemblyman added, "Remove my email. To think you STOLE my email and name from a complaint letter. I'm reporting you as SPAM.”

Delany, who was slated to defend his 8th District post this fall, issued a statement on his decision. "I am deeply disappointed in my wife's decision to send that email to Mr. Lewis' campaign; it does not reflect my personal beliefs whatsoever," he said. "In an attempt to repair the serious damage this has caused to our marriage, and to protect our kids from public humiliation, I decided to leave public life.  On behalf of my family, we sincerely apologize to Mr. Lewis for any pain this caused him."

Lewis, a former Olympic champion and world record holder in the 100 meters race, was a former resident of California who has faced legal issues in trying to run for the state senate position. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno wrote a letter to U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman to notify him of her decision to not certify the Democratic candidate.