Dems raise $400k at Murphy’s home

The New Jersey Democratic State Committee raised about $400,000 at a fundraiser at the Middletown home of Tammy and Phil Murphy, boosting the state party coffers as Democrats seek to pick up as many as five congressional seats and look for gains in county and municipal offices in November.

The event, spearheaded by state party executive director Liz Gilbert and finance director Rafi Jafri, helps Democrats compete in bids to take control of the Burlington County Board of Freeholders, break the all-GOP lock on freeholder seats in Morris and Somerset, and win county clerk posts in Morris and Passaic.

This is the second major Democratic fundraiser hosted by the governor and first lady; the Murphy’s opened their home earlier this year to raise money for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez.

Among the Democratic powerhouses spotted at the Murphy home tonight: Tom Giblin, Raj Parikh, Angelo Genova, Adam Alonso, Pete Cammarano, Matt Platkin, Joe Panepinto, Frank Giantomasi, Dennis Frazier, Kenny Desai, Lloyd Levenson, Deepak Raj, Beth Stavola, Bill Pascrell III, Eric Shuffler, and Ginger Gold Schnitzer.

Earlier today, Gilbert and Democratic State Chairman John Currie announced that the Democrats will hold a state convention in Atlantic City on September 20-22.

“This year Democrats in New Jersey and across the country have the opportunity to take back control of our democracy from the forces of fear and division, and we know that New Jersey is a crucial battleground in that fight,” said Gilbert.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said today that he will deliver the kickoff speech on the first night of the convention.

“In just a few short months, we have an historic opportunity to take back Congress so that we can enact the progressive policies needed to advance justice and equality for everyone,” Booker said. “This election may be the most consequential in my lifetime, and I know so many people throughout our state and nation feel the same way. The path to flipping the House comes through New Jersey and we must all rise up and do our part.”

Murphy and Menendez will also be in attendance, Booker said.