Verona Businesswoman To Challenge Frelinghuysen In 2018

VERONA, NJ — The following op-ed comes courtesy of Verona resident Tamara Harris, a businesswoman and mother of two who is running for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District in 2018. Send local news tips and op-eds to eric.kiefer@patch.com

The upcoming 2018 election promises to be a great year for Democrats across the state and nation, which is all the more reason that we need to let Democratic voters choose their nominee in the primary process. I believe in putting people before politics and party insiders, in back room meetings, should not have the power to force a candidate onto the people in the 11th district after decades of neglect in this district. Failed candidates and underfunded campaigns have been the norm in the 11th congressional district. That’s why we need a level playing field for all candidates, to let voters decide who is the best candidate to represent their interests.

We should have nothing short of an open Democratic primary in this district with all candidates for Congress grouped together on our own ballot line to allow the best person to win without insider interference.

Career politician Rodney Frelinghuysen, who has voted for the extremist Trump agenda 95% of the time, will be extremely vulnerable to an upset in November, but this can only happen if Democrats nominate a candidate who can go the distance with a credible and well-funded campaign. While I believe I am that candidate, I am willing to submit to a fair and vigorous primary process to earn the support of the NJ11 voters in the district.

I ask that all the other candidates in the race stand with me on demanding an open Democratic primary with our own ballot line, because the progressive voters of North Jersey deserve no less.

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Photo courtesy of Tamara Harris