Praising his “calm and kind demeanor,” the Philadelphia Inquirer has endorsed Rep. Andy Kim for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, saying they were impressed by his desire to “restore a sense” of trust in the Congress and applauding his decision to challenge the constitutionality of organization lines in court.”
“At a time when public approval of Congress hovers near historic lows for its dysfunction and histrionics, Kim stands out for his thoughtful, caring, and measured approach. Kim supports core Democratic values but works to find common ground and produce bipartisan legislation on issues like supporting veteran-owned businesses, strengthening federal bribery laws, and sensible gun safety measure,” the editorial stated.
But in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, the Philadelphia Inquirer declined to choose between hotelier Curtis Bashaw, Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner and two others, Justin Murphy and Albert Harshaw.
“Bashaw and Serrano Glassner did not meet with the board, making it difficult to assess their qualifications. Murphy and Harshaw at least showed up,” the newspaper stated. But their responses to simple questions were deal-breakers.
A three-term South Jersey congressman and former Obama White House staffer, Kim is seeking the seat held by three-term incumbent Bob Menendez. Menendez, whose federal corruption trial began last week, is not running in the Democratic primary but has not ruled out seeking re-election as an independent.
The Inquirer called Kim: “the polar opposite of MAGA Republicans who are more interested in notoriety than governing.”
“His earnestness also offers a stark contrast to Menendez’s detachment and alleged malfeasance,” the newspaper said. “Kim’s common decency was on display following the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. A viral photograph captured after midnight shows him dressed in a suit, on his knees, picking up debris in the Rotunda.”
The editorial said Patricia Campos-Medina’s “dedication is admirable,” but aid Kim “has the best skills, experience, and temperament to represent New Jersey.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer has endorsed Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy for Kim’s open congressional seat in New Jersey’s 3rd district.