BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — It didn't take long for a New York City councilman's claim that he's the world's tallest male politician to draw some challenges.
Robert Cornegy Jr., a 6-foot-10 councilman from Brooklyn, was certified by Guinness World Records in January and honored for the distinction this week at a City Hall ceremony.
But North Dakota's insurance commissioner, Jon Godfread, quickly stepped forward to say he will contest the title. Godfread, who played basketball at the University of Northern Iowa and played professionally in Germany, says he's 6-11¾.
Brad Sellers, a former Ohio State and Chicago Bulls star listed at 7 feet, also says he has a claim. Sellers is the mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio.
Godfread says he didn't know "being a tall politician was a thing."
The Guinness Book of World Records released the following statement regarding Sellers' claim:
"At Guinness World Records, our verification process requires evidentiary support to confirm that an applicant is the record title holder.
"In the case of the Tallest politician (male), Robert Cornegy Jr. was confirmed to surpass the existing record title holder’s height after he submitted an application containing the required evidence to verify his claim. After extensive review from our Records team, it was determined that Robert’s application and evidence were sufficient to confirm that he holds the record title.
"The individual you are referring to is not currently recognized by Guinness World Records for the Tallest politician (male).
"However, we’d be happy to receive an application from him for this particular title, as we would be for any title, to review evidence from potential new record holders."