Would-Be AG Is Knocked Off Ballot, Lacks Legal Experience, Top Conn. Court Finds
A Connecticut lawyer lacks the legal experience to seek election as attorney general even though she has served for years as secretary of state.
Today’s ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court almost certainly ends Susan Bysiewicz’s hard-fought legal ballot to get on the ballot for the attorney general’s race, reports the Connecticut Mirror. It overturns an earlier determination by Superior Court Judge Michael Sheldon that her time as secretary of state, along with earlier experience in corporate practice, added up to the 10 years of law practice required by state law to run for the attorney general’s job.
It remains to be seen whether Bysiewicz, who is a Duke University law graduate, will make a last-minute effort to seek re-election to her current post.
“I am tremendously disappointed with the court’s decision overturning Judge Sheldon’s ruling and I strongly disagree with the decision both on the eligibility and the constitutionality issue,” Bysiewicz told the newspaper in a written statement. “However, I do respect the rule of law and will abide by it.”
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Embarassing Depo Wins Conn. Sect’y of State the Right to Run for AG Job”
