"Federal Hearing: NJ AG Supports Andy Kim's Challenge to County Line Ballot Design"
Rep. Andy Kim's federal hearing on the constitutionality of New Jersey's county organizational line concluded with testimony from a diverse array of witnesses, including Kim himself, who is running for U.S. Senate. The lawsuit seeks to abolish the line in time for this year’s primary election, with attorneys representing the county clerks arguing that abolishing the line would create havoc for New Jersey’s elections systems. Kim's testimony reflected his argument that the party line interferes with candidates' right to freedom of association, while witnesses presented conflicting views on the feasibility of implementing a line-free primary. Judge Zahid Quraishi did not indicate which way he was leaning, but a ruling against the line would have immediate implications for the upcoming Senate race.