Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential campaign was dealt a blow on Monday when a judge ruled that his petition to appear on New York’s ballot was invalid, saying Mr. Kennedy had used a “sham” address to maintain his New York residency.
The ruling, if it stands, would keep Mr. Kennedy off the ballot in a state where he lived for much of his adult life and could endanger his efforts to be placed on the ballot in dozens of other states.
His lawyer, William F. Savino, said in an email that Mr. Kennedy had “always planned to appeal any adverse ruling.” Later Monday, the campaign said it would file a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan.
“The 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution governs the residency of presidential and vice-presidential candidates, not state law,” said the campaign’s senior counsel, Paul Rossi.
“If state court judges are going to ignore the Constitution, the federal courts must step in to protect voters’ rights.”
Persons:
Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Kennedy, —, Kennedy’s, William F, Savino, “, ”, Paul Rossi
Organizations:
Clear Choice, Democrat, Constitution
Locations:
York, Albany, N.Y, New York, Manhattan, U.S