U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) is endorsing former Gov. Jim McGreevey for Jersey City mayor, citing a friendship that goes back over two decades.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I have worked with Jim McGreevey as a mayor, as a governor and as a private citizen fighting to deliver opportunity for those who need it most and I have been proud to call him a friend,” Watson Coleman said in a statement.
“Jim’s dedication to advancing the priorities and goals of the Democratic Party drove our early work together and he remains a partner and a leader who has never betrayed those values.”
Watson Coleman was the New Jersey Democratic State Committee chair back in 2002 when McGreevey was governor, a position she was nominated for after serving as Assembly Majority Leader.
She also praised McGreevey for his efforts in the reentry world.
“Jim’s most important decisions are guided by his faith and his work with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation is a true indicator of his devotion to community and to the importance of providing a second chance,” Watson Coleman continued.
“Jim McGreevey and I have always shared the same Democratic values and I know he is the best choice to lead Jersey City into the future.”
Watson Coleman is just the second elected official from outside Hudson County to endorse in the race, with Gov. Phil Murphy (D) backing McGreevey in January.
“Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a trailblazer, both in New Jersey and in Washington, and I am grateful for her endorsement of our campaign,” McGreevey added.
“Years ago, I had the good fortune to work side by side with the Congresswoman helping to get Democrats elected throughout New Jersey when she served as State Party Chair, but our greatest collaboration has been working to provide hope and a second chance for so many who were previously afforded none. I appreciate Bonnie’s friendship and her leadership and consider both to be a blessing.”
McGreevey is in a five-way, nonpartisan race that also includes Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Council President Joyce Watterman, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali.
Cuomo in NYC and McGreevey in JC.
These two don’t deserve another chance, even for a lower office.
Their day has passed.
Democrats need to work for a bright future, not a return to the shabby, embarrassing past.