Washington’s Handpicked Candidate Faces Tough Primary
National Republicans may have made their choice in New Jersey’s 3rd District, but local Republicans have said not so fast.
Kate Gibbs, who was rejected by Burlington County voters last year, has a tough primary ahead. Not only will she have to face Barnegat Township Deputy Mayor John Novak, but according to New Jersey Globe, other Republicans may get in the race as well.
And while she appears to have Washington’s blessing for now, she hasn’t received an endorsement from the Chairman of Ocean County’s GOP. Chairman Holder, who prefers an Ocean candidate, says he isn’t ready to endorse and is “waiting to see if anyone will run.” Ocean County makes up nearly half of the district.
That must make Washington Republicans nervous.
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GOP field to take on Kim won’t be cleared anytime soon
Ocean GOP chairman says more candidates might emerge
David Wildstein | November 21, 2019
With the GOP race to unseat freshman Rep. Andy Kim (D-Marlton) beginning to take shape – former Burlington County Freeholder Kate Gibbs announced today, and Barnegat Township Deputy Mayor John Novak entered the race yesterday – Ocean County Republican Chairman Frank B. Holman III says he isn’t ready to endorse any one yet.
Holman hinted that the field of candidates might get bigger.
“There may be some more people who will be emerging,” Holman told the New Jersey Globe. “I would prefer an Ocean County candidate. I’m waiting to see if anyone will run.”
[…]
Novak, who ran as an independent candidate for Ocean County freeholder against GOP incumbents in 2016, appears to have been forgiven for his move against the county Republican organization.
“There’s no penalty,” Holman said. “He ran a gentlemen’s campaign.”
That could mean a protracted battle for the nomination, although Holman carefully said the Ocean Republican convention would be next year – leaving the door open to a vote earlier in the year. Conventions are usually held in March.
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