Robert F. Kennedy in NY court as he fights ballot-access suit claiming he doesn’t live in the state
Former congressman and son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., found himself in a New York court today as he fights a lawsuit claiming he does not live in the state and therefore should not be allowed on the ballot for the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Kennedy, who is running as a Democrat, has faced questions about his residency since announcing his candidacy earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed by a group of voters, alleges that Kennedy actually resides in California and only maintains a residence in New York for political purposes.
Kennedy has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that he has lived in New York for over 30 years and considers it his home. He has provided documents such as tax returns, utility bills, and voter registration records to support his claim.
During the court hearing, Kennedy’s legal team argued that the lawsuit was politically motivated and an attempt to undermine his candidacy. They also pointed out that Kennedy has a long history of public service in New York, including serving as the state’s attorney general from 1999 to 2006.
The plaintiffs, on the other hand, argued that Kennedy’s ties to California, including his ownership of property and business interests in the state, prove that he is not a bona fide resident of New York.
The judge has yet to make a ruling on the case, but the outcome could have significant implications for Kennedy’s campaign. If he is found to be ineligible to run in New York, it could derail his chances of securing the Democratic nomination and ultimately winning the governorship.
Kennedy has vowed to fight the lawsuit and continue his campaign, stating that he is confident in his residency status and his qualifications to lead the state. However, the legal battle is far from over, and the final decision will ultimately rest in the hands of the court.