Trump touts Ciattarelli in short ‘tele-rally’

President Donald Trump lauded Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli in a “tele-rally” on Monday evening, as candidates gear up for the start of early voting on Tuesday.

Unlike his in-person rallies, which are known for their unpredictability and length, the Monday evening telephone rally lasted about five minutes and focused on the issues on which Ciattarelli’s campaign is based, including immigration and property tax caps.

“New Jersey is ready to pop out of that blue horror show and really get in there and vote for somebody that’s going to make things happen,” Trump said. “I’m asking you to get out and vote for a true champion for the people of your state.”

The “tele-rally” was conducted via telephone starting at 7 p.m. on Monday. A tele-rally comes at a significantly lower cost for Ciattarelli, whose campaign agreed to a spending cap under the state’s gubernatorial public financing law.

Ciattarelli is one of five Republicans seeking the GOP’s nomination to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy. He and his top competitor, former radio host Bill Spadea, both sought the president’s endorsement throughout the campaign. Ciattarelli dominated polls, though, and Trump’s endorsement of the former assemblyman appeared to cement his position as the race’s frontrunner.

Spadea is still searching for the MAGA vote, launching a major ad campaign last week that expresses his disappointment and disagreement with Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli. 

“Jack has what it takes to win,” Trump said. “He has my complete and total endorsement. Other people are going around saying I endorse them — that’s not true. Jack Ciattarelli has my complete and total endorsement.”

Ciattarelli thanked the president for his remarks and pushed listeners to vote for him.

“We’re so very grateful for his active involvement in this campaign,” Ciattarelli said. “He’s going to help us with a win this November and send a powerful message to the entire country that New Jersey is turning red.”