Progressives spent $236k to beat Van Drew

Three progressive candidates who challenged right-of-center Jeff Van Drew for the Democratic House nomination in New Jersey’s 2nd district raised a combined $236,691 to hold the veteran state legislator to 55% in the June 5 primary.

Van Drew, running with organizational support in all eight counties, beat retired teacher Tanzie Youngblood 55%-19%,  followed by Will Cunningham (17%) and Nate Kleinman (9%).

Youngblood raised $91,701 in her unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 2nd district.  Youngblood ended her campaign with $4,296 cash-on-hand and a debt of $53,014.  About half of that — $23,000 – came from a loan Youngblood made to her own campaign.

Cunningham, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, raised $78,063 and has just $324 left over.  Kleinman, a farmer and progressive activist, raised $94,927 – largely self-financed through a $90,00 personal loan – and has $21,513 left in his campaign account.

The group were seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the seat being vacated after 24 years by retiring Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-Ventnor).  Van Drew now faces the winner of the Republican primary, Seth Grossman.