On September 13, the 3rd circuit heard arguments in Lewis v Guadagno, 11-3401. According to this story, it is tough to predict the outcome. A decision is likely in the next two days. The issue is whether New Jersey violates the U.S. Constitution when it requires candidates for State Senate to have lived in the state for four years. It appears from the story that the New Jersey constitutional 4-year requirement is ambiguous, as to whether that is four years before the term of office starts, or four years before the election. However, that ambiguity most likely won’t affect the outcome in this particular case, because Carl Lewis voted in California in 2009.
The New Jersey state courts have already ruled that Lewis does not meet the State Constitutional requirement. Federal courts are not free to disagree with a state court’s interpretation of state law, generally.
As the collector of one of the largest athletics / track and field autograph collection in the nation, I can tell you personally that Mister Lewis has always be courteous and gracious to ‘the little guy’ ………
That said, it is a hoot to see the Dems twist and turn in poop of their own making. Like a city council member complaining of a speeding ticket written in a speed trap of their making. So sad, so sad, ha, ha!