New Jersey Democratic State Committee spokesman Phil Swibinski this evening released the following statement on Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy’s ruling against former Senator Steve Sweeney’s lawsuit regarding the apportionment committee:

“It has always been clear that Chairman Jones’ decision to add Laura Matos to the Democratic Delegation to the Legislative Apportionment Commission was in the best interests of the Democratic Party and that he had the absolute legal right to take that action. We are grateful for today’s ruling affirming that.

“Ms. Matos’ service on the Commission also addresses the glaring omission of a representative for New Jersey’s almost 21% Latino population, while also adding another woman’s voice to this critical process and preserving South Jersey representation. This ruling protects that important progress and prevents former Senator Steve Sweeney’s unfortunate and misguided attempt to deny a well-qualified Latina leader from serving this crucial role.

“To quote Chairman Jones’s remarks from the January 26 hearing of the Apportionment Commission: ‘No person or organization’s own goals and ambitions are above the interests of our party and the people of this State.’ We are grateful that the Court agreed with Chairman Jones today.

“It is important to note that the work of the Commission has continued and will continue to move forward seamlessly. In fact, more resident voices participated in the last meeting of the commission than had spoken at all previous meetings combined. The Democratic Delegation to the Commission looks forward to continuing to incorporate that public input into this process in the coming days and weeks, and ultimately to deliver a legislative map that reflects the diversity and political alignment of our state.”