A New York congressional candidate is accusing one of his rivals of submitting “fraudulent signatures” on nominating petitions required to get on the ballot for the Democratic primary.

New York State Assemblyman Keith Wright has asked a state Supreme Court judge to review the petitions of his opponent, Adam Clayton Powell. The two Democrats are vying for outgoing Rep. Charles Rangel’s position. Rangel’s district includes parts of upper Manhattan and the Bronx.

Wright is asking the judge to nullify the petitions and knock Powell off the June 28 primary ballot.

In court papers last week, Wright alleges Powell “committed or knew of acts of fraud and deceit” in his petitions that were submitted to the New York City Board of Elections. He argues that Powell submitted signatures from people who are not registered Democrats or residents of the district. State election laws require that candidates in party primaries submit signatures only from people who are registered to vote in the same party.

Powell’s spokesman, Michael Oliva, said Wright’s allegations are false.

“He’s obviously afraid of Adam Powell, and that’s why he’s doing it,” Oliva said of Wright. “Instead of doing the hard work, he wants to cheat his way in court.”

(AP)