The campaign of Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) this afternoon defeated a petition signatures challenge by the campaign of Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno to get him bounced off the ballot.

“The Lt. Governor’s failed attempt to block me from appearing on the GOP primary ballot was both desperate and sad,’ said Ciattarelli, following an administrative law judge’s ruling. “Moreover, trying to save her candidacy by forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for this 11th hour ‘Hail Mary’ is a disgrace. Perhaps the Lt. Governor is coming to the realization that a typical politician devoid of any specific ideas or plans to fix our state is a troubled candidate.

“What I find most disconcerting, however, is the extent to which the Lt. Governor will try to disenfranchise my supporters. This isn’t the first time,” the assemblyman added. “Competition is supposed to be a healthy thing.  Is there a side of the Lt. Governor that’s revealing itself? With this silly maneuver now behind us, I look forward to continue earning the faith, trust and confidence of Republican primary voters by offering our state and party a new direction. And on June 6th, I look forward to beating the Lt. Governor at the polls, just as I did today in court.”