GOP county chair welcomes Van Drew, but says he must prove himself

Gloucester County GOP Jacci Vigilante says that party-switching Rep. Jeff Van Drew will be welcomed into the Republican Party, but he will still have to earn their trust – partly by denouncing George and Donald Norcross.

“He will have to prove he is with us on more than just the issue of impeachment,” Vigilante said.   “Having been backed by South Jersey’s political machine for many years, Van Drew will also have to denounce his connection to George Norcross and understand that we have two quality candidates seeking the nomination in CD1 and that he will be expected to work with our nominee, and with us, to defeat Congressman Donald Norcross.”

Van Drew is expected to formally announce that he leave the Democratic Party and join the GOP within the next day or so.

“The Republican Party of Gloucester County encourages and welcomes all Democrats who walk away from the hard left turn the progressive wing of their party is attempting to force upon our nation,” Vigilante said. “Anyone who realizes the Democratic Party has turned into a socialist organization should be welcomed to our party and that acceptance should be extended to Jeff Van Drew.”

Vigilante said that while Van Drew has a lot of catching up to do as he seeks the Gloucester GOP organization line against three candidates who have already been campaigning for Congress – and for the right to run against him when he was a Democrat.

“A 100% rating from Planned Parenthood and voting with Nancy Pelosi over 90% of the time is a lot to overcome,” Vigilante said. “My point is Mr. Van Drew has some obstacles in front of him if he wants to be a Republican. We’ll accept him, but I am curious to see how he fixes these and other issues the rank-and-file are going to have with him.”