Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Loses Bid for Inclusion on New York Ballot
Judge Rules Against RFK Jr. in Residency Controversy
Albany, N.Y.– Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has hit a major snag in his campaign. In a decision on Monday, a judge decreed that Kennedy’s name is not to appear on the New York state ballot. Kennedy, a member of the prestigious Democratic political family, is said to have claimed a New York residence on his nominating petitions despite living in California. This ruling could have far-reaching implications, possibly leading to challenges in states where Kennedy used a New York address to collect signatures.
In response to the ruling, Kennedy pledged to appeal, labeling the decision as a partisan move. “The Democrats are showing contempt for democracy,” he declared, emphasizing that the presiding judge is a Democrat. “They aren’t confident they can win at the ballot box, so they are trying to stop voters from having a choice. We will appeal, and we will win.”
A North Carolina Prelude
Prior to the New York ruling, a North Carolina judge ruled that Kennedy could remain on the state ballot following a separate challenge.
New York Judge Deems RFK’s Residency A ‘Sham’
Judge Christina Ryba, delivering a detailed 34-page decision, discussed how the rented bedroom Kennedy claimed as his residence in New York was neither a ‘bona fide and legitimate residence’, but rather a ‘sham’ address used to facilitate his political candidacy and maintain his voter registration. Judge Ryba detailed evidence displaying Kennedy’s recurring pattern of borrowing addresses from friends and relatives to preserve his voter registration status in New York state while living in California, where he shares a home with his wife, Cheryl Hines, an actor known for her role in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
“Using a friend’s address for political and voting purposes, while barely stepping foot on the premises, does not equate to residency under the Election Law,” undercut the judge. She warned about the possible set of ‘a dangerous precedent’ while emphasizing the initial aim of Election Law residency rules to prevent fraud and political mischief.
Clear Choice Action’s Response
Clear Choice Action, a Democrat-aligned political action committee that supported the legal challenge, articulated that this ruling exhibited that Kennedy had purposefully misled election officials, thus betraying voters’ trust. “The Kennedy team will undoubtedly file desperate lawsuit after desperate lawsuit in the coming days and weeks; they will fail, and it will not change the simple truth: he lied, and he’s being held accountable,” the organization asserted.
Kennedy’s Defense
Kennedy, who has spearheaded a New York-based environmental group for years and whose namesake father was a New York senator, insisted that he has lifetime ties to New York and plans to return. He declared that his move to California ten years ago was in order to be with his wife, with an intention to return to New York. Kennedy disclosed that he presently rents a room in a friend’s home in Katonah, approximately 40 miles north of midtown Manhattan. He, however, acknowledged only sleeping in that room once thanks to his relentless campaign travels.
Kennedy’s Contest Gets Heated
Lawyers representing several New York voters interrogated Kennedy in often fiery exchanges as they endeavored to make their case, highlighting government documents that included a federal statement of candidacy with a California address and a social media video in which Kennedy mentions training ravens at his Los Angeles home.
Despite Kennedy arguing that New York has remained his primary residence since 1964, evidenced by his payment of state taxes, maintaining his law practice, and holding a driver’s license, falconry license, and other recreational licenses in New York, the judge dismissed these arguments in her ruling as ‘immaterial’ without proof of physical presence at a specific address where he intended to live permanently.
Far-Reaching Implications
Being a member of a renowned political dynasty and possessing a substantial loyal base, Kennedy potentially stands as a strong independent presidential candidate. Both Democrat and Republican strategists have raised concerns about his placement affecting their candidate’s chances. His campaign has showcased that he has enough signatures to qualify in a majority of states, but his ballot drive has faced challenges and lawsuits in several states. Kennedy has voiced concerns that being knocked off the ballot in New York could lead to lawsuits in other states where his campaign listed the same address.
