Spadea endorses Murphy for U.S. Senate

NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea has endorsed Justin Michael Murphy for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate after slamming his former colleague, Alex Zdan, in the four-way race to choose an opponent for Democratic U.S. Senator Cory Booker.

He described Murphy, a former Tabernacle deputy mayor, as a “thoughtful, dedicated patriot who is willing to give up his personal time to help the cause.”

“Justin is a Trump supporter and a common-sense conservative.  He’s pro-life and actually was the only candidate to attend the New Jersey Right to Life annual banquet,” said Spadea. “He’s got the courage of his convictions, the ability to organize people, and articulate the issues in a digestible way that can appeal to the future of elections in our state and nation: Independent voters.”

Spadea and Zdan worked together on ‘Chasing News,’ the show Spadea hosted on FOX TV for seven years.

“Let’s say, I’m just not sure why he or the people supporting him think he’s qualified to serve as a U.S. Senator,” Spadea said.  “He might be among the worst in the bunch, as he comes in with the baggage of being supported by the same people who have been losing seats locally and in the Legislature for the past few years.”

Zdan is a former News 12 New Jersey reporter.

Spadea, a former GOP gubernatorial candidate, called State Trooper Richard Tabor “a good guy,” but said he’s concerned that the New Jersey Police suspended him for running for office.

“Probably shoulda figured out a plan before getting himself in a conflict,” he said.  “This will surely be a distraction if he’s the nominee.”

The fourth candidate in the race is Robert Lebovics, a physician from Englewood.  Spadea says he doesn’t know him personally.

“Maybe he’s a good guy, but he’s been endorsed by the Vaad in Lakewood, which means he’ll do what he’s told and support ‘Lakewood style’ overdevelopment, which is crushing some communities in our state,” Spadea stated.

Two other candidates in last year’s gubernatorial primary, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerville) and State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), have not yet taken sides in the U.S. Senate primary.