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AP: Judge Says Carl Lewis OK To Run For NJ Office

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A judge says nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis should be allowed to continue his bid for the New Jersey Senate because Republicans have failed to prove he doesn't live in the state.

Administrative Law Judge John Schuster III recommended Wednesday a petition to strip Lewis' name from the June primary ballot be dismissed. The nonbinding decision goes to the Republican secretary of state, who can adopt, modify or reject it by Thursday's deadline.

Lewis is a Democrat making his first run for elected office. The internationally acclaimed former track and field star says he's pleased with the judge's decision and is confident the secretary of state will uphold it. He'd face Republican Dawn Adeggio in November.

Lewis acknowledges voting in California until last year.

New Jersey Republicans say they believe he'll be found "ineligible to run."

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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