Wildwood Dem leader slams Van Drew over Trump rally

Greater Wildwood Democratic Club President Walt Deegan attacked Rep. Jeff Van Drew over a rally President Donald Trump has planned in Wildwood later this month.

“In a cynical act of political opportunism Jefferson Van Drew turned his back on not only Democrats but Republicans and Independents alike,” Deegan said. “No longer can he claim to be the maverick voice we thought he was. It’s clear the only thing that matters to him is the spotlight and holding onto political power by any means necessary.”

Van Drew defected to the Republican party last month after local and state Democrats began pulling their support over the then-Democratic congressman’s opposition to Trump’s impeachment.

Numerous Democrats, including State Sen. Bob Menendez, Gov. Phil Murphy and Senate President Steve Sweeney declined to endorse Van Drew’s re-election ahead of his party switch.

Democratic leaders in his district warned Van Drew that they could not guarantee him a primary win.

While Republicans have made some efforts to clear their primary field for Van Drew, the three Republican candidates who were in the race before he announced — David Richter, Brian Fitzherbert and Robert Patterson — have not ended their bids.

“By pledging his ‘undying support’ to the most corrupt and obscene President in our nation’s history he has proven his loyalty lies not with the constitution, his constituents, or the future of our democracy but his political future,” Deegan said. “Now he thinks a ridiculous rally with an impeached President will guarantee him a primary victory but I believe South Jersey Republicans see this man for what he is, a fraud. Nobody likes a turncoat, shame on you Van Drew.”