Van Drew Must Denounce Political Machine, GOP Chair Says

Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s reported decision to switch from the Democratic to Republican parties is drawing reaction at all levels of government, from the federal to the local level.

While prominent Democrats are furious with Van Drew’s decision, Republicans in South Jersey remain skeptical. One has even called on Van Drew to denounce his ties to South Jersey’s most powerful unelected official.

Gloucester County Republican Party Chairwoman Jacci Vigilante said Van Drew has been “backed by South Jersey’s political machine for many years,” and that he will have to denounce his connections to South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross. He must also be prepared to run in the Republican Primary for the seat he already holds against candidates who have been preparing to earn the nomination.

“A 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood and voting with Nancy Pelosi over 90 percent of the time is a lot to overcome,” Vigilante said. “My point is Mr. Van Drew has some obstacles in front of him if he wants to be a Republican. We’ll accept him, but I am curious to see how he fixes these and other issues the rank-and-file are going to have with him.”

Van Drew only voted against the majority of House Democrats 12.1 percent of the time, according to ProPublica's measurement. But he has strayed from Democrats on key issues, such as his opposition to impeaching President Donald Trump. He also followed through on a campaign promise he made not to vote for Pelosi in her efforts to be re-elected as Speaker of the House earlier this year.

Read more: NJ Congressman Reportedly Switching From Democrat To Republican

“I was one of the earliest people in Congress to back an impeachment inquiry years ago because we must act to defend our democracy,” Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1) said. “Whatever party he claims to represent, Van Drew is just plain wrong to support Trump’s corrupt actions. I look forward to supporting the Democratic candidate next year who will truly represent South Jersey’s values."

Norcross also said Van Drew owes an apology to all those who endorsed and supported him in last year’s election victory, in which he defeated Republican Seth Grossman to claim the seat long-held by moderate Republican Frank LoBiondo.

Norcross cited groups like the AFL-CIO, NJEA, SEIU and End Citizens United, as well as Gov. Phil Murphy, Chairman Currie and New Jersey’s representatives in Congress, as well as the people of South Jersey who thought he believed in the same things they do.
Norcross represents much of Camden and Gloucester counties, as well as Maple Shade and Palmyra in Burlington County.

Van Drew, who has yet to officially make the switch, also represents portions of Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties, although the majority of his district is centered in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem and Ocean counties. Republicans in Camden and Gloucester counties are cautious about Van Drew’s defection.

“The Republican Party of Gloucester County encourages and welcomes all Democrats who walk away from the hard left turn the progressive wing of their party is attempting to force upon our nation,” Vigilante said. “Anyone who realizes the Democratic Party has turned into a socialist organization should be welcomed to our party and that acceptance should be extended to Jeff Van Drew.”

Camden County Republican Chairman Rich Ambrosino thanked progressives for driving Van Drew out of the Democratic Party.

“Fortunately, I have only one municipality in CD2, so the issue isn’t that big for me,” Ambrosino said. “If Van Drew wants the line, he’ll have to screen like everyone else. I’m sure it’s going to take time to see what kind of Republican Jeff Van Drew will be after he makes his party switch official, but one thing is clear, it’s going to take more than his stance on impeachment to convince the rank-and-file. I look forward to seeing the Congressman at many fundraisers.”

Read more here: Pres. Trump, Phil Murphy, More React To Jeff Van Drew Joining GOP