NEW YORK, NY November 10, 2008 —This time, they're filing their lawsuit in federal court, claiming the mayor and speaker Christine Quinn acted illegally when they changed the term limits law by legislation, and not a voter referendum.

Attorney Norman Siegel says legal precedent supports their case, that elected officials cannot act in self-interest.

SIEGEL: The 11th circuit, and a concurring opinion in the United States Supreme Court, by Justice Breyer and Ginsburg, talk about the Constitutional evil when people in government use the process to keep themselves in power.

REPORTER: The city's top attorney, Michael Cardozo, says the claims are without merit. Several teachers have also filed a federal lawsuit to block the term limits extension.

An earlier lawsuit, in state court, was thrown out by the judge the day before the council voted on the bill.