Independence Party of New York
Frank M. MacKay, Chairman
52 Clubhouse Drive, Rocky Point, NY 11778
Phone:  631-209-9629  Email:  ipny2000@yahoo.com

FEDERAL COURT ORDERS MONDAY HEARING ON
INDEPENDENCE PARTY'S MARCH 2ND PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

For Immediate Release:  January 29, 2004

Contact: Sarah Lyons
917-658-9885

New York, NY -- U.S. Federal District Court Judge Jed S. Rakoff, upon application of the New York State Independence Party, has convened a hearing on Monday to consider whether the Independence Party is entitled to hold an "All Independents" Presidential primary on March 2nd.  The State Board of Elections will appear in opposition.
The hearing will take place at 2:00 pm at 500 Pearl Street, Courtroom 14 B.

In December, Judge Rakoff in State Committee of the Independence Party of New York et al vs Carol Burman et al, 03 Civ. 4123 (JSR), ruled that New York's election law was unconstitutional insofar as it prevented the state's 2.2 million unaffiliated voters from participating in the Independence Party's statewide primaries.  The Independence Party then moved forward to create a March 2nd presidential primary for New York's 2.5 million independent and Independence voters.

The Independence Party will be represented by attorney Gary Sinawski.
Sinawski stated, "The 2.5 million independent voters in New York State have the right to be heard on the question of which presidential candidate they prefer.  We're hopeful that Judge Rakoff will make sure that this Constitutional right is fully realized and implemented without further delay."

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