The New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, the largest firefighters union in the state, is taking sides in the hugely competitive race for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th district, backing freshman Republican Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) in his race against Democrat Sue Altman.
But the union is not making an endorsement in the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw, alleging that Kim has been unresponsive to the union and calling its decision a matter of integrity.
“We always answer the call, our elected officials representing us should do the same,” said Eddie Donnelly, the NJ FMBA president.
Donnelly was harsh in his criticism of the three-term congressman.
“While personal evolution is expected and welcomed, forgetting where you came from and trying to rewrite your past shows a lack of integrity,” Donnelly stated. “That’s what Andy Kim has done since he decided to run for the U.S. Senate.”
Donnelly accused Kim of working “the political system to his advantage when it suited him and got him to where he is today.”
“It’s hard to put trust in an individual who has now turned his back on, and attacked, those that helped him as he ascended the political ladder,” he said.
Donnelly cited Kean’s record as a state legislator and congressman as being helpful to his more than 6,000 union members. He mentioned Kean standing in the Oval Office last month when President Joe Biden signed his bill, the Fire Act, which directs federal funds to local fire departments.
“Tom Kean, Jr. has shown that when it comes to bringing resources back to New Jersey, especially for first responders, he gets it done,” Donnelly said.
Kean is a former volunteer firefighter.
The firefighters’ union has endorsed eight incumbents: Democrats Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch), Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City), Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson), Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing); and Republican Christopher Smith (R-Manchester).
Endorsements from the NJ FMBA also went to Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Delran) and Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver, two Democrats seeking open seats in the 3rd and 10th districts, respectively.
The firefighters are also staying out of the 2nd district race between Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) and Democrat Joe Salerno.
“Offering support to candidates is not something the NJFMBA takes lightly, and it is not something that comes without a lot of commitment on our end,” Donnelly explained. “I am always willing to have conversations about building more effective partnerships, and our legislative committee is always on the ready to strategize how best to make sure our member’s needs out met at every level of government.”
The endorsements were made at the union’s meeting Wildwood today.