Lawmaker's basement residence may not meet code

[goddess40]

http://www.wkow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13788247

JANESVILLE (WKOW) -- A Janesville official said the basement residence of a newly sworn-in state lawmaker will be checked to ensure it meets building codes.

Rep. Joe Knilans (R-Janesville) represents the 44th Assembly District, even though he was unable to vote for himself because Knilans did not live in the district. Knilans said he is leasing a basement room in the 44th District in order to satisfy residency requirements.


Sounds like another John Gard, pretending to live where they don't so they can get elected. If this guy couldn't vote for himself because he doesn't live in the district how did he get on the ballot?

[ewagner]

1. If I understand the law correctly

he only has to be a resident before he is actually sworn in.

It's stupid, I know, but apparently legal as ruled upon by the courts

[dragonlady]

2. I remember hearing

about Tammy Duckworth, who ran for Congress in Illinois. She lived three miles outside the district she would represent, but they had refitted their house for her disabilities and didn't plan to move. Says Wikipedia: "The U.S. Constitution requires only that a member, when elected, be "an inhabitant of the state in which he shall be chosen." Illinois does not have a district residency requirement.<4>" So that would have worked for her, but she lost the election.