WRITTEN ON THE WATER:

Torricelli's withdrawal sparks battle: GOP promises fight to keep him on ballot (CNN, 10/01/02)

The state Supreme Court Tuesday agreed to hear a Democratic petition to name a new candidate for the U.S. Senate seat after a lower court stopped the printing of ballots to reflect the sudden withdrawal of scandal-tainted incumbent Robert Torricelli. [...]

Under New Jersey law, a general election candidate must withdraw at least 51 days before election day to be replaced on the ballot -- a deadline Torricelli did not meet.

However, Torricelli wrote in a September 30 letter to state Attorney General David Samson that he had asked Bonnie Watson Coleman, chairwoman of the state Democratic party, to "pursue the selection of a candidate in my stead" in accordance with state law.

Democratic Gov. Jim McGreevey told CNN Tuesday morning that top state Democrats will be meeting in the next 36 hours to "put forth the strongest potential candidate."

"As a matter of equity, the state Supreme Court should allow a replacement on the ballot," McGreevey said. "I think it's critically important that the citizens of the state of New Jersey ... have a full and vigorous debate upon the issues," by allowing the two major parties to field candidates.

Republicans plan to argue that Torricelli should remain on the ballot because he withdrew after the 51-day deadline.

Forrester argued Tuesday that it's too late for a ballot change, that some ballots are already printed and have been distributed to members of the armed forces and absentee voters.

"Some of these people have already voted and returned their ballots. This is an election that is in process. It is under way," Forrester said.

"There was plenty of opportunity for the Democrats to run somebody against Torricelli in the primary; it didn't happen. There was plenty of time for Mr. Torricelli to step aside before the 51-day deadline. It didn't happen."

Why does the discussion continue past the words in bold? If the law requires it and he didn't do it then to allow it would be unlawful, right?
Posted by Orrin Judd at October 1, 2002 4:59 PM