Supporters of electoral reform Joe Cohn, Staci Berger, Councilperson James Solomon, former Assemblyperson Valerie Huttle, and Mayor Ravi Bhalla joined U.S. Rep. Andy Kim’s lawsuit to overturn the “County Line” system in New Jersey.
“The ‘County Line’ system has deprived New Jerseyans from fully exercising their right to vote free from ballot manipulation for too long,” said Joe Cohn, a Democrat running for Congress in the Third Congressional District. “Voters and not party bosses should decide who represents New Jersey.”
“The County Line is undemocratic and forces some candidates to associate with other candidates who they do not want to be associated with in order to have a chance to compete for preferential ballot position or risk being in ballot Siberia,” said Staci Berger, a Middlesex County Democratic Organization member who has run for Municipal Office off the line twice. “Even worse, it allows political party insiders to choose candidates, instead of voters. It creates voter confusion and disenfranchises voters and candidates from having a fair election.”
“I owe my elected office as a Jersey City Councilman to the absence of the Line in Jersey City’s municipal elections,” remarked James Solomon. “The County Line system effectively manipulates our primary ballots, perpetuating an archaic and undemocratic process. It enables corrupt backroom deals between candidates and county bosses in exchange for the advantage of being on the Line. For true democracy to thrive in New Jersey, we must abolish this antiquated practice.”
“Good people who represent the conscience and will of their constituencies, and who demonstrate strong public leadership, should be on-board and engaged, not ignored, or retired,” stated former Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle who served New Jersey’s 37th Legislative District for 16 years. “NJ can and should be a leader in expanding pathways to democracy, not limiting them.”
These remarks highlight how the County Line system unfairly benefits certain candidates, undermining fair and transparent elections by giving too much power to party insiders and contribute to the growing voices calling for an end to the County Line system and the implementation of reforms that prioritize voter rights and democratic principles, said the group.
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In a recent development in the ongoing legal battle between former White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman and President Donald Trump’s campaign, several allies have come forward to support Kim Lawsuit with an amicus brief, according to Insider NJ.
The amicus brief, which is a legal document filed by individuals or organizations who are not directly involved in the case but have a strong interest in the outcome, was filed by a group of prominent figures who believe that Lawsuit’s case against the Trump campaign is of great importance.
One of the key arguments made in the amicus brief is that Lawsuit’s case raises important questions about the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in political campaigns. NDAs are commonly used in the business world to protect sensitive information, but their use in political campaigns has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
The brief also argues that Lawsuit’s case highlights the need for greater protection for whistleblowers who come forward with information about wrongdoing in political campaigns. Lawsuit, who worked as a senior advisor to the Trump campaign, has alleged that she was subjected to harassment and intimidation after she raised concerns about potential illegal activities.
The support from these allies is seen as a significant boost for Lawsuit’s case, as it demonstrates that there is widespread concern about the issues raised in her lawsuit. It also sends a strong message to other potential whistleblowers that they will not be alone if they come forward with information about wrongdoing.
Overall, the amicus brief filed by these allies is a powerful statement of support for Lawsuit and her efforts to hold the Trump campaign accountable for its actions. It remains to be seen how this support will impact the outcome of the case, but it is clear that Lawsuit has a strong network of allies who are standing behind her in her fight for justice.
