Hudson County elected officials reacted to First Lady Tammy Murphy dropped out of the U.S. Senate race yesterday ahead of today’s statewide filing deadline, paving the way for U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3) to win the Democratic nomination.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“After many busy, invigorating, and, yes, challenging months, I am suspending my Senate campaign today. I have been genuine and factual throughout, but it is clear to me that continuing in this race will involve waging a very divisive and negative campaign, which I am not willing to do,” she said in a video posted on social media yesterday.
“And with Donald Trump on the ballot and so much at stake for our nation, I will not in good conscience waste resources tearing down a fellow Democrat.”
Murphy had the support in key Democratic strongholds such as Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Hudson, and Middlesex Counties, but in open conventions, she went two for 12 against Kim.
Nonetheless, her announcement that she would not be on the June 4th primary ballot sent shockwaves throughout the New Jersey political class on what have otherwise been a typical uneventful Sunday afternoon.
“It takes courage to know when it’s time to suspend a campaign. I am grateful that Tammy Murphy did so. Most of all I am thrilled for my friend @AndyKimNJ,” Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, a Democratic candidate for Congress in the 8th District, wrote.
“The insiders counted you out, the grassroots brought you in. It’s time now to unite behind our presumptive nominee. And I look forward to working with you to finish what all of us started — and keeping fighting until we #AbolishTheLine.”
For the moment, Murphy’s decision is a blow to Bhalla’s off the line bid to U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez since Kim is expected to run on all the county lines Murphy received, including Hudson County, with County Executive Craig Guy one of the few in the room when the First Lady made up in her mind.
Kim’s campaign was launched in September within hours after U.S. Senator Bob Menendez getting indicated on federal corruption charges, and in this scenario, he’d be running on the same line as Rep. Menendez.
However, Kim’s federal lawsuit to end county organizational lines is ongoing, so this point could be moot by the end of the day.
“Congrats today to @AndyKimNJ and the grassroots leaders of New Jersey! Our mission, of course, remains the same – elect Andy as our next Senator in June & November AND return democracy to the people of our state by Abolishing The Line. Let’s go!” wrote Ward E Councilman James Solomon.
He hosted a meet and greet for Bhalla and Kim in Downtown Jersey City last month and, along with the Hoboken mayor, filed an amicus brief in Kim’s lawsuit to end county lines so his comments are expected.
Solomon also endorsed Bhalla for Congress on Friday, as HCV first reported.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor who rescinded his endorsement of Murphy in favor of Kim one week ago – also calling for Murphy to drop out of the race – said this turn of events said a lot about organizational lines.
“Couple random thoughts to share on the Senate news/timing:
1) clearly the lines are more important to the establishment than Tammy’s candidacy. What they may not realize is the fight will clearly continue until the line is gone
2) grassroots is where the credit belongs here in shaping this race.
3) NJ still has not had a contested primary in two decades. What does that tell you about those organizations”
He also questioned if Gov. Phil Murphy (D) now becomes a lame duck sooner, that he needs to think about implications of 2025 better, and that Kim will be a “terrific” senator.
Additionally, Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilman Tiffanie Fisher commended Murphy on her decision and the tone she took in her video, as well as congratulating Kim.
“I’m appreciative of this strong message by @TammyMurphyNJ as she suspends her campaign for Senate. It’s worth watching. I’m thankful for all, esp women, who make sacrifices to run for office. I’ve supported @AndyKimNJ since he 1st ran & look forward to having him as our Senator!”
HudCo was proud to stand with the moneybags Murphy machine and benefit where possible.
Unfortunately, Murphy with all his money advantages and VBM operations in NJ barely got past the Republican candidate in the last gubernatorial. All of Murphy’s investment in buying off the NJ Democrat Party has reached its end.
This is so sad for Tammy Murphy, a perfectly fine figure towering over the masses with fine progressive condescension to all. Her VBM operation is late out of the gate, an essential fixture for our NJ victories.
Here at HudCo, we hope that with Tammy’s withdrawal the line will be protected in NJ court and we will continue to lead Column A to another massive victory. HudCo yesterday, HudCo today, HudCo forever!
HCDeadO has outlived its usefulness. Why vote for any of you guys? Just because you’re not as crazy as the waterfront progressives?