With debates over President Joe Biden’s electoral viability continuing to roil Washington, Sue Altman – the Democratic nominee in New Jersey’s highly competitive 7th congressional district – may have more at stake than just about anyone else in New Jersey. But asked what she believes Biden should do, she demurred, saying the decision was ultimately up to him.
“The President has been a lifelong public servant,” Altman said in a statement. “He’s served this country with honor and I trust he will make the decision that’s best for the future of our country and American democracy. Meanwhile here in Jersey, I am focused on beating Tom Kean Jr. and flipping NJ07. Now more than ever before, it’s crucial we take back the House.”
Discussions of Biden’s ability to serve as the Democratic nominee began after Biden met former President Donald Trump for a debate on June 27, and turned in an underwhelming performance that made many Democrats question whether the 81-year-old president should remain in the race.
A handful of congressional Democrats have openly called for Biden to step aside – among them Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), who said yesterday that she believes “the stakes are too high and the threat is too real” for Biden to remain the nominee. Her House colleague, Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), didn’t go as far but did say that he has “concerns” about Biden’s candidacy and that he’d be open to discussions of a new nominee.
Several other New Jersey Democrats – among them Reps. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) – have done the opposite, affirming their support for Biden and praising his achievements as president.
But Altman declined to say anything so definitive, drawing criticism from the campaign of Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), her GOP opponent in the 7th district.
“It didn’t take long for radical activist Sue Altman to start sounding like a scripted politician,” Kean spokesperson Harrison Neely said in response to Altman’s statement. “I think the clear non-answer tells us everything voters need to know about her ability to be dishonest with them.”
The 7th district voted for Biden by four percentage points in 2020, making him the first Democratic presidential nominee to carry the district under its current lines in many decades. Whether he’ll be able to carry the district again, though, is an open question – one that could go a long way towards determining whether Altman wins or loses this fall.