The Philadelphia Inquirer is taking sides in the Democratic primary for Congress in New Jersey’s 3rd district, endorsing Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel) to succeed Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown).
“Like Kim, Murphy has an independent streak even within her own party,” the newspaper stated.
Murphy faces Assembly Health Committee Chairman Herb Conaway, Jr. (D-Delran), civil rights attorney Joe Cohn, and two others in the June 4 primary election.
“In a crowded field, Murphy had the best mix of experience, independence, and temperament needed to meet the high bar set by Kim,” the editorial said.
Murphy’s willingness to stand up to her fellow Democrats appears to have played a leading role in her winning the Inquirer endorsement.
“She told the Editorial Board she did not seek permission to run for Congress from the influential but unelected South Jersey power broker George E. Norcross II. That was especially refreshing given that when it comes to politics in South Jersey, all roads usually lead through Norcross,” the editorial said. “The same could not be said for Conaway.”
Conaway told the newspaper that “he’s had a couple of conversations with Norcross, and asked for his support.”
“How can you not ask?” Conaway explained to the editorial board. “I’m asking everybody for help.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer has been decidedly anti-Norcross, especially since he briefly owned the newspaper more than a decade ago.
The editorial praised Cohn, a former American Civil Liberties Union lawyer, as the strongest of the other candidates, which also include Brian Schkeeper and Sarah Schoengood.
“He was measured and focused on trying to find common ground with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle,” the newspaper noted.
Murphy, Conaway, and Cohn will meet for their first debate on Tuesday, May 14 at 8 PM in a forum sponsored by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, and Rider University.
Click HERE to read the editorial.