Assuming no quick reversal by SCOTUS (and I'm not holding my breath), The Forrester camp, the NJGOP, the Republican National Committee et al had better adjust to the new circumstances, unsavory though they be. Save the pity party and the cries of "we wuz robbed"; there's work to be done. Forrester had better come out with some ads quick showing positive reasons to vote for him. No criticism implied regarding the previous anti-Torricelli ads -- they were appropriate, well done, and effective (maybe too effective?). But the ground has shifted under our feet.
This race is winnable. The $$$ should be there. Forrester appears to be an adequate speaker on the stump and on TV interviews, from what little I've seen; far superior to Lautenberg, who's really showing his age (79 in January). Appeal the decision, sure. But the campaign needs to be going at full speed immediately, and needs to be conducted on the assumption that all appeals will fail.
CBB, what's the news now?
Posted by Congressman Billybob to connectthedots
On News/Activism ^ Oct 2 6:11 PM #1,285 of 1,288 ^
Thanks for your (excessive) praise. In Bush-Gore I, the Supreme Court did, unanimously, what I suggested. But I have zero proof that they did it because of my suggestion. That's obvious coincidence, but not proof. I'll do my best on this case, along with a lot of smart lawyers who are far closer to the center of action than I am. I believe our efforts will be successful. (Of course, this assumes that the NJ SC will throw out NJ law as being "inconvenient.")
Congressman Billybob
Posted by Congressman Billybob to Liz
On News/Activism ^ Oct 2 5:47 PM #103 of 141 ^
The petition to the Supreme Court is NEVER filed before the lower court has ruled. The decision which the losing party (whichever one that is) wants reviewed, must present that decision as an exhibit to the US Supreme Court petition. The Republicans are getting ready to go up (as are the Democrats, in case they lose). And on the sidelines, folks like me are drafting their briefs in favor of the parties. Mine will, of course, be in favor of Doug Forrester and the third-party candidates.
Congressman Billybob
Posted by Congressman Billybob to Catspaw
On News/Activism ^ Oct 2 4:46 PM #1,269 of 1,288 ^
When a case is decided by the highest court in a state, the next step is a writ of certiorari to the US Supreme Court, asking them to take the case. I am currently rough-drafting a brief for the Supreme Court in favor of Forrester, on the assumption that the US SC will take the case, and give counsel about 48 hours to file their briefs. If I get to file one, it will be an amicus curia (friend of the Court) brief on behalf of the American Civil Rights Union. (Do not misread that. Robert Bork is on their Policy Board. They are the opposite of the ACLU.
Congressman Billybob