Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli Attacks Lt. Gov Kim Guadagno as Primary for Governor Heats Up

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - The arrows have already started flying in the GOP primary of the New Jersey governor's race. A state Assemblyman who is running against Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno described Guadagno as "loyal-to-a-fault" and "in blind obedience" when it comes to outgoing Gov. Chris Christie.

"The loyal-to-a-fault Lt. Governor is exactly who Phil Murphy and the Democrats want to run against," said state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. "If New Jersey Republicans nominate the second-in-command to a Governor marked by failed policies, scandal and record low approval ratings, what message are we sending?"

"The Lt. Governor’s recent attempts to run away from the Governor after seven years of standing silently by his side in blind obedience are simply not credible," he added.

Ciattarelli also challenged Guadagno to debates in all 21 New Jersey counties. She has not yet responded.

Phil Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs executive and ambassador in the Obama administration, will likely be the Democratic nominee. Ciattarelli and Guadagno are battling to be on the Republican ticket. Murphy lives in Middletown; Guadagno lives in Monmouth Beach and Ciattarelli is from Somerset County.

Ciattarelli, 55, represents New Jersey's 16th Legislative District, which includes South Brunswick, Princeton, Montgomery, Hillsborough, Millstone (Somerset), Flemington and Branchburg.

He announced in September he is seeking the Republican nomination for New Jersey Governor. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno officially announced Tuesday in Keansburg she too, wants the GOP nomination.

Earlier last year, Ciattarelli came out against President-elect Donald Trump, calling him an "embarrassment" and a "charlatan." Guadagno also said she would not support Trump after his remarks about groping women were made public.

Ciattarelli revealed this month he is being treated for throat cancer, although he said he has a good prognosis.