These days it seems that Milton Street spends less time campaigning than he does defending the right for his campaign to exist.

Though he’s been an unofficial candidate for months, the former state senator just officially launched his bid last week after nearly missing the petition deadline due to incomplete paperwork. Then, the Inquirer pointed out an oversight that could have Street disqualified from the Democratic primary in May: he has been registered as an Independent since 2012.

On Monday, a labor leader challenged Street’s candidacy in court on the grounds that he’s not registered as a Democrat. Joseph Coccio Jr., secretary-treasurer of the Transit Workers Union, Local 234, also claims that Street does not permanently reside in Philadelphia — another prerequisite to seek the office.

Street furnished paperwork Monday morning to refute the allegations, insisting that he re-registered as a Democrat in 2012. He supplied voter records from the last two years that list his party affiliation as such.

As for the other allegation, Street said that while he splits some time between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, his permanent residence is in Philadelphia.

“Every politician has homes down the shore, they have homes all over the place,” he said in a press conference outside the County Board of Elections office on Delaware Ave. and Spring Garden Streets. “No one questions where they live.”

Street also said he finds the allegations “silly” and believes they are a sign that his fellow candidates fear his viability in the race. He cited the 2011 primary election in which he garnered 24 percent of the vote against incumbent Mayor Michael Nutter. He dismissed fellow opponents Doug Oliver and Nelson Diaz as having little impact on the race, but he believes that the others are worried he could swing the polls in his favor.

“Look at the facts in 2011. I came out of prison, had $1.69, a senior citizen transpass, and a dumb phone. I got 36,000 votes,” Street said. “There are six people on the ballot this time. Let’s assume that 36,000 votes are my votes. How many do I have to add to that to be very competitive?”