As former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy appears poised to lock up the Democratic nomination for governor any day now, the Hudson County Democratic Organization has endorsed his candidacy. 
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“After nearly eight long years with Chris Christie as governor, it’s finally time for our state to have a leader who will work to grow the middle class, reduce poverty and put New Jersey’s economy back on the right track — Phil Murphy is that leader and the Hudson County Democratic Organization is proud to support him,” said HCDO Chairman Vincent Prieto, also the Assembly Speaker, said in a statement.
“This election represents an opportunity for our state to finally move forward with a middle class agenda and Hudson County Democrats are excited to support a candidate who shares that vision with us.”
Murphy will run on the HCDO line in the June 2017 Primary Election, allowing him to run with the party’s candidates for state Senate and Assembly, Freeholder and local offices.
All 12 Hudson County mayors, as well as state Senators Nick Sacco (D-32, also the North Bergen mayor), Brian Stack (D-33, also the Union City Mayor), U.S. Rep Albio Sires (D-8) and Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise all signed off on the endorsement as well.
Last week, hours before Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced re-election and endorsed Murphy for governor, Prieto said the HCDO had not yet made a decision on who to support for as Christie’s successor.
Since Fulop’ stunning announcement, Murphy has steamrolled the competition, with state Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) also deciding not to run for governor this morning in anticipation of the former Goldman Sachs executive gaining the support of Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Hudson and Essex County Democrats.
Murphy is still not expected to run unopposed though, as state Senator Ray Lesniak (D-20) and Assemblyman John Wisniewksi (D-19) are still expected to challenge for the state’s top elected office.
Now that the HCDO has formally endorsed Phil Murphy for Governor, I respectfully urge all Hudson County state legislators to join Mr. Murphy in condemning (as Mr. Murphy has) the estate tax cut and sunset provision in this poison pill bill. While the gas tax is paid for, the tax cuts are not.