South Jersey Democrats Endorse Phil Murphy For Governor

The Democratic Party leadership in South Jersey has endorsed Phil Murphy as he runs for governor next year.

The party chairmen in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties released a joint statement Tuesday morning endorsing Murphy, who they say has the experience and vision to revitalize the state's economy and bring needed reforms to Trenton.

"Our next governor must be someone with new ideas for moving our economy ahead and making the state a better place to call home,” the chairmen said in the statement. “After meeting with Ambassador and talking about our shared middle-class values, we are proud to give him our support.”

Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs executive and U.S. ambassador to Germany, is one of five Democrats who have expressed interest in pursuing the governor’s seat in 2017.

The others are Essex County Executive and former Essex County Freeholder Joe DiVincenzo; Asset Manager and State Investment Council Chair Tom Byrne, State Assemblywoman & Health Care Administrator Shavonda Sumter; and State Assemblyman and Attorney John Wisniewski.

State Sen. President Stephen Sweeney was expected to run for governor, but announced earlier this year he would not run, on the same day Murphy announced he was running.

"We are all concerned about the political hostility and divisive rhetoric so common in our nation and here in our state,” the chairmen said. “We believe that Phil has the temperament and desire to help bridge those divides and bring competence and civility to Trenton. It's time for us to come together to focus on rejuvenating our economy, creating good jobs at livable wages, and ensuring that every child can receive a world-class education from kindergarten through college.

"To accomplish these goals, we need a governor who shares New Jersey's values and who will work in partnership with us to make them a reality. Phil Murphy will be that partner -- and he will be that governor. He is the only candidate with the ability to bring people together for the common good.”

Gov. Chris Christie is not up for re-election next year. On Tuesday, he ended any speculation he would be joining President-elect Donald Trump’s administration when Trump takes office in January.

"Especially now, faced with the uncertainties of a Donald Trump presidency, we need a governor with the strength and commitment to stand up for New Jersey, a governor who will guide our state with a strong but fair hand,” the chairmen said. “As Democrats, but more importantly as citizens of America, our road back begins right here in New Jersey in 2017.”

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno is the most prominent Republican looking to make the Governor’s Mansion her home. Several other Republicans have also expressed interest in the job, however, including State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and State Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.

"Over the coming months, we look forward to joining with Phil as he meets with the residents of South Jersey and listens to their concerns,” the chairmen said. “And we look forward to working with him to confront the serious challenges facing our state."

The statement was signed as follows:
Chairman Michael Suleiman, Atlantic County
Chairman Joseph Andl, Burlington County
Chairman and State Senator Jim Beach, Camden County
Chairman Jeff Sutherland, Cape May County
Chairman Doug Long, Cumberland County
Chairman and State Senator Fred Madden, Gloucester County
Chairman Steve Caltabiano, Salem County

The attached image of Phil Murphy is a Patch file photo