Monday, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams has provided information she believes establishes her Pennsylvania residency in conformity with the state Constitution that would keep her eligible to hold her seat in the state Senate.
Among the offered “proof,” and the only piece of information that hints she resided in Pennsylvania within the constitutionally-required four-year period, Williams submitted sworn affidavits—made under the pains and penalties of perjury—from friends who allege Williams began living with them on November 6, 2014.
November 6, 2014, a figurative 11th hour, is the last possible day Williams could have began to permanently domicile in Pennsylvania in order to meet the Constitutional requirement.
Of note, November 6, 2014, was a Thursday, meaning Lindsey Williams—while admittedly still holding a full-time job in Maryland—took time off in the middle of the week to establish a permanent domicile in Pennsylvania.
Also, it seems strange that after months of having her residency questioned—and the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee knowing since before the May primary of Williams’ residency issues—the Senator-elect is just now, on the 11th-hour of a deadline to prove residency, making these alleged living arrangements public.
In response, Republican Party of Pennsylvania Communications Director Jason Gottesman, made the following statement:
“It is prudent for Senate Republicans to refer the information provided by Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams to outside counsel for further review.
“Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams continues to play fast and loose with the state Constitution in a bid to retain her grip on power in the state Senate.
“If Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams is willing to go this far with the rule of law to keep her Senate seat, given her fast friendship with outspoken socialists in the General Assembly, it is fair to ask how far she will try to bend the rules when it comes to enacting sound policy for the people of Pennsylvania.”
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