FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2024
Contact: Leila Miller | press@indivisible.org
‘The Corrupt Machine is Going Down’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Indivisible’s co-founder and co-executive director Ezra Levin released the following statement in response to U.S. District Court Judge Quraishi’s ruling to eliminate the county ballot line system in the lawsuit brought forth by Senate candidate Andy Kim:
“This is a brand new day in New Jersey, one where the people, not political machines, decide the best candidate to carry the banner for their party. For decades, the New Jersey political system was rigged in favor of ‘line’ candidates, and made it nearly impossible for candidates to primary incumbent party-favorites. It was a thorn in democracy.
“Mere months ago pundits said Andy Kim's candidacy was a long shot and that his lawsuit against the New Jersey political machine was doomed. Now Andy is on his way to being a U.S. senator, and the corrupt machine is going down.
“This a testament to both bold leadership in defense of democracy, and to the power of the people across New Jersey who have been working tirelessly towards this moment – creating a democracy of, for, and by themselves. Our democracy is all the stronger for this decision, and we cannot wait to see the results of New Jersey’s first modern primary in over a century.”
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Indivisible Action
Indivisible Action (PAC) channels grassroots energy into electing progressive candidates who will work towards an inclusive democracy that provides for the needs of all people. Indivisible Action provides tools, training and strategic guidance to local Indivisible groups as they flex their electoral power. Indivisible Action also makes its own endorsements of federal and gubernatorial candidates, grounded in endorsements made by local Indivisible activists.
New Jersey groups are incredibly engaged in efforts to reform the ballot system in the state. Multiple groups, as part of a broader coalition called the Fair Ballot Alliance, signed onto an open letter speaking out against the party line and calling out the nepotism inherent in Tammy Murphy's candidacy. That letter earned the coalition a mention in a NYT story about Tammy Murphy entering the race. A 2022 poll found that “only 19 percent of New Jersey say[s] that county parties should have a role in officially endorsing candidates and giving them preferential placement on the ballot.”