Coursey backs Harrison for Congress

Atlantic County Freeholder Ernest Coursey has endorsed Brigid Callahan Harrison for Congress in the 2nd district.

“I am supporting Brigid,” Coursey told the New Jersey Globe.  “I consider a Brigid a friend of mine.  I think she would be an outstanding congresswoman representing our district.

Harrison, a political science professor and longtime player in Atlantic County politics, announced on Monday that she would seek the Democratic nomination to challenge party-switching Rep. Jeff Van Drew.

Coursey’s endorsement comes days before another freeholder, Ashley Bennett, is expected to announce that she will also seek the Democratic House nomination.

He said he let Bennett know that he was backing Harrison.

The three-term freeholder said he was disappointed by Van Drew’s decision to become a Republican.

“I supported Jeff.  I consider Jeff an associate,” Coursey said.  “That’s Jeff’s decision.”

Coursey served as an Atlantic City councilman for eleven years before winning a freeholder seat in 2013.

Amy Kennedy, the wife of former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island), announced on Monday that she had formed an exploratory committee.