N.J. court to allow Carl Lewis' name on primary ballots until case solved

 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — New Jersey's Supreme Court says it won't halt the printing of Democratic primary ballots as former Olympic star Carl Lewis tries to get permission to run for the state Senate.

The court announced Wednesday that it would not take emergency action on the Lewis case.

Also Wednesday, the nine-time Olympic gold medalist went before a federal appeals court to try to get on next month's ballot.

The state's Republican lieutenant governor — who also serves as secretary of state — declared last week that Lewis is not eligible to run because he hasn't been a resident for the past four years.

Lewis is going to different courts to argue that he meets the residency requirement and that the rule violates the Constitution.

Olympian Carl Lewis To Run For NJ Senate

Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis will today announce his intention to run for the New Jersey Senate as a Democrat.

Lewis emailed a media advisory to reporters saying he will be giving a speech at 2 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse in Mt. Holly to "make an announcement regarding his political plans." Democrats have been in talks with Lewis about a potential state Senate run in the 8th Legislative District against incumbent Dawn Addiego (R-Burlington). Lewis, a 49-year-old Medford resident, has never run for office. The 8th District, where Lewis will run, leans Republican. But Democrats feel that a famous and wealthy candidate like Lewis could make the seat competitive.

Although he's one of the most famous athletes in the world, rumors about Lewis' sexuality have been blamed for his lack of post-Olympics endorsement deals. Lewis has always denied that he is gay.

posted by Joe