Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, said this morning that “our intent is to explore litigation” after Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed a controversial ballot redesign bill yesterday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Like OPRA, Campaign Finance reform, gutting offices of oversight… I don’t understand the Governor. He is in the final year of his term + why not stand up to the party bosses as there is a clear right/wrong here. This was an opportunity for Murphy to leave a lasting legacy of positive reform that he missed,” Fulop wrote on X.
“We are going to meet with advocates over the next week and lawyers to better understand our legal options and potential outcomes but our intent is to explore litigation and we are disappointed in Governor Murphy signing this bill. It clearly isn’t consistent with the Judge’s ruling last year + again undermines trust[.]”
His stance is not exactly revelatory for politicos: Fulop came out against the county line system back in October 2023, filing an amicus brief in support of then-U.S. Rep. Andy Kim’s (D-3) federal lawsuit to abolish them last April.
That was filed just after U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi ruled that county lines were unconstitutional and would be barred for the June 4th, 2024 Democratic primary.
Late last year, the state legislature began working on a ballot redesign bill that, after some revisions, cleared the Senate on February 25th and then the Assembly on February 27th.
At a February 20th Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, several activists and some elected officials testified that the bill goes against the spirit of the Quraishi decision.
The new law does not allow candidates from separate offices to use the same slogan, which Fulop had previously said specifically targets his campaign and he would take the matter to court if need be.
On Monday, Jersey City activist Katie Brennan and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, both Democratic Assembly candidates in the 32nd Legislative District, called on Murphy to conditionally veto the bill, as HCV first reported.
They expectedly expressed disappointment after Murphy signed the bill without any explanation or comment on the matter.
“This is not what a fair ballot looks like. Instead of treating every candidate the same way, this will once again give an edge to some candidates over others, putting anyone who wants to run independently at a disadvantage,” Brennan said in a statement.
” … While every other state has ballots that treat candidates equally, New Jersey will maintain a system that gives unfair advantages to those running together on the same slate. True ballot reform would eliminate bracketing and grouping entirely so every candidate stands on their own merits, not their political connections,” Bhalla added.
Murphy’s office did not return an email seeking comment.
If you become the Governor of New Jersey will you be giving low-very low income residents better affordable housing or do you plan to continue to give THE RICH the rest of NEW JERSEY and force the POOR PEOPLE out of NEW JERSEY.
If so I will vote independent
I get talking to lawyers since you kinda need lawyers to go to Court, but why does Fulop need to talk to “advocates” before filing suit?
“` What ever Scammer becomes NJ Gov, Just fix the DMV. What a disgrace trying to get a DL or renewal process. No Walk- ins and 2 month waiting list for DMV appointment. Its a crime trying to do business with Division of Motor Vehicle in NJ. Also get the NJ State PD to work on RT 80. That’s another Crime in NJ. Trucks and Cars killing people driving 80+ MPH on RT 80. NJ SPD no Where to be found!
Isn’t it rich to hear this guy talk about undermining public trust? His boy Platt, just outed him as a guy who lies to the media!
He has stood by a known homophobe all the while firing s guy who supported his maga sister. I guess if guilt by association is a thing, he’s as guilty as hell. Look at his close ties to kushner.