Van Drew defection won’t end Patterson House bid

Robert Patterson, a former aide to President Donald Trump, will continue his second district House bid following Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s party switch.

“Congressman Van Drew’s switcheroo is a sad reflection of his desperation and lack of principle,” Patterson said. “It’s clear that Van Drew will say and do anything to hold onto political power. Yesterday, he was a liberal Democrat who supports amnesty, Planned Parenthood, and Hillary Clinton.”

On Saturday, the New Jersey Globe reported Van Drew’s chief of staff had told members of the right-of-center congressman’s campaign and congressional staffs that the first-term representative would be moving to the Republican party.

Some of those told have indicated they will resign.

“South Jersey deserves a true conservative congressman who will fight for them, not a career politician who tries to protect himself,” Patterson said.