Bennett: Still no decision on freeholder seat

Atlantic County Freeholder Ashley Bennett still isn’t ready to rule out running for re-election in favor of her bid for the second congressional district’s House seat.

“It’s very early to tell. We’ll see what happens,” Bennett said Tuesday. “I made my statement. I did my press conference. We’ll see what happens. It’s going to be a long campaign season and we’ll go from there.”

Bennett is one of four Democrats seeking Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s seat in Congress.

Political science professor Brigid Harrison, West Cape May Commissioner John Francis III and former public school teacher Amy Kennedy have also announced bids.

So far, Harrison has garnered the most organizational support, winning endorsements from six of the district’s eight county chairs and Senate President Steve Sweeney endorsed her on Wednesday.

Atlantic County Chairman Michael Suleiman and Ocean County Chairman Wyatt Earp have yet to back a candidate.

On Tuesday, Assemblymen Vince Mazzeo and John Armato added their names to the list of Harrison backers.

Bennett said the latest endorsements and Kennedy’s decision to enter the race haven’t moved her towards a decision on her freeholder seat.