Van Drew Congressional update
By Matt Friedman, PolitickerNJ.com ReporterState Sen. Jeff Van Drew still hasn’t made a decision about whether he’s running for Congress, but as the April filing deadline approaches, he’s leaning towards sitting this one out.
“I will say that I do have an interest in being a representative for the second congressional district ,but I’m very aware and mindful of the fact that I just won a senate race and we’re in a uniquely challenging time in the state of New Jersey,” he said. “I have to weigh that very, very seriously.”
Van Drew has been courted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about the prospect of taking on incumbent Republican Frank LoBiondo, and the group has even conducted polling in the district on his behalf. As the Press of Atlantic City reported, the up-tick in Democratic turnout for the presidential primaries and enthusiasm surrounding Barack Obama’s candidacy may have given Van Drew reason to run. But the poll that the DCCC commissioned showed surprisingly strong numbers for LoBiondo.
With regard to the presidential race, Van Drew had been reluctant to pick a horse, saying at a Cumberland County Democratic convention earlier this month that he had hoped to back Bill Richardson or Joe Biden. But now, he’s convinced that Barack Obama is on the way to the nomination.
“I think Obama’s going to win,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a matter of who you’re supporting… Barack’s a little bit untested, and we’re going to see, but I do believe he’s going to prevail and will be the candidate.”
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The polls show Lobiondo to still be a strong candidate-and he will forever be stronger if guys like Van Drew who might have a shot show that they are afraid to pull the trigger. This is just another chance for Van Drew to grab headlines and be politically wishywashy. Who wants him in the House anyway-he is a terrible representative of the 1st LEgislative District that for some reason is popular-maybe people like not driving on the BEasley's Point Bridge, Perhaps they like his Bill-a-day method to legislation, perhaps they like that he sits the big ones out (IE I hoped to endorse Richardson or Biden-give me a break-I hoped to endorse Bill Clinton in 08, or Jimmy Carter-How safe can this guy play it?) Van Drew is encouraged by strong Dem voter turnout, and he is discouraged by a recent poll. I wish he would just go away, he gives Democrats a very bad name. I hope Milam emmerges as the leader in LD 1
If it were up to you, SJ would not be blue
How did Milam get where he is today? Who recruited him to run, and brought him in on his enormous coattails? Who single-handedly turned the district from a Republican stronghold to three new Democrats?
I'll tell you who needs Van Drew in the House -- fiscally conservative, non-liberal South Jerseyans who have a stubborn independent streak, but will vote for Dems like Jeff as long as they provide superior representation.
It's going to happen. Jeff knows it and Lobo knows it. It's just a matter of time. Doesn't help anyone to take your shot before the district is ready for another tough race.
If that's not blue enough for you, tough. Move on!
Funny
How you only post when it is Van Drew related. I know that Van Drew is popular. I know that he pulled MM along with him. I get it, JVD is popular I just cant seem to figure out why, when he makes politically safe desicions. Van Drew is a show horse. I noted Millam because he seems to be able to think for himself whereas Nelson Albano, while he is is earnest and honest, is a bit unpolished for leadership and simply does whatever Jeff says. Millam may proove to be equally under Jeff's thumb, but I HOPE that he isnt. Believe me I know its tough to be a Dem where we are-I simply find Jeff's poll driven sensationalist approach to government to be wishywashy. His image far outpaces his record. "If you think too much about being re-elected, it is very difficult to be worth re-electing" Woodrow Wilson
He has time
LoBiondo has only two years left. He knows it and he will begin transitioning himself out of public office so that he is not run out of public office. Jeff Van Drew will be our congressional representative in 2010.
In the mean time Van Drew has a big job in the State Senate and his voice of reason will be needed over the coming months.
The 1st District is in good hands . Our Congressional District will be in good hands in 2 years!
Please
His voice will be heard and dismissed as it was in the assembly.