Asbury Park Press endorses Smith

The Asbury Park Press has endorsed Chris Smith for re-election to a 20th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Smith’s appeal stems largely from his relatively moderate Republican voting record and the belief among voters that he’s honest, hardworking, principled and not bought and sold by his campaign contributors, unlike many of his Washington colleagues.” the editorial board said.  “We have disagreed with Smith on some issues over the years, including his views on reproductive choice and gay marriage, but we have never questioned his motives or his integrity.  The latter is in short supply today, as is the willingness of members of Congress to reach across the aisle to achieve compromise.”

The newspaper took a swipe at Smith’s Democratic opponent in the race for the 4th district seat, Josh Welle.

“Welle, after leaving the Navy in 2015, created a software company with ‘several of his best friends,’ according to his website, but the company was dissolved after only two years with $140,000 in unpaid taxes. We’re not sure how Welle thinks that translates into an effective public servant,” the newspaper said.