Fitzherbert struggling for dollars in 2nd district House race

Republican Brian Fitzherbert appears to have trouble raising money for his bid to unseat freshman Rep. Jeff Van Drew in New Jersey’s 2nd district, raising just $21,287 for his fledgling congressional campaign.

Fitzherbert reported spending $3,159 and has $18,127 cash-on-hand.

The former Atlantic County Young Republican Chairman is one of three GOP candidates seeking to challenge Van Drew, a longtime legislator who flipped an open seat in 2018 following the retirement of 12-term Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-Ventnor).

Both of Fitzherbert’s GOP rivals have outraised him significantly.

Hill International CEO David Richter has raised $413,000, including $300,000 of his own funds.

Robert Patterson, a controversial former Trump administration official who has argued that condoms deprive women of the “remarkable” chemicals found in semen has raised $100,342.

Van Drew had his second strong fundraising quarter and now has $930,344 cash-on-hand as he prepares to seek a second term.

Van Drew raised $528,430 during the 3rd quarter of 2019, and has raised $1,284,396 since taking office in January.

Republicans think Van Drew, unbeatable during his seventeen years in the New Jersey Legislature, is vulnerable after winning a surprisingly unimpressive 53% against former Atlantic County freeholder Seth Grossman last year.

The right-of-center Van Drew could also face a primary challenge.  The 65-year-old former state senator won the Democratic nomination with 57% against three progressive challengers.

Donald Trump won the 2nd district by 14,830 votes (50%-46%) in 2016 and GOP U.S. Senate candidate Bob Hugin carried it by ten points last year.