A Republican local elected official from a tiny Hunterdon County borough has endorsed Democrat Tom Malinowski for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th district.
Nic Messina, the Stockton council president, says Malinowski’s resume and policy stances won him over in a race where Republican Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton) is fighting for his political life.
“I am a Republican and I am also wholeheartedly in support of Tom Malinowski for Congress.” said Messina. “I have had many opportunities to meet and spend some time with Tom and he has won my confidence for many reasons — in particular, Tom’s proactive position on the unneeded PennEast pipeline that threatens our community, national security stances, and commitment to defending our democracy, which is so important right now.”
Stockton has a population of 538 and Democrats have a slight edge in voter registration. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won 63% there, while Lance received just 45%. In 2014, Clinton mayor Janice Kovach beat Lance in Stockton by six percentage points.
Messina is running for re-election this year on Lance’s ticket but has no Democratic opponent. Mayor Timothy Nemeth, a Democrat, has no Republican opposition in his re-election bid.
RELATED ARTICLES
-
October 2, 2018 -
April 23, 2018 -
August 7, 2018
Why do you call Mr. Messina a “running mate?” He’s a “fellow Republican” to Lance, but not a “running mate,” since Representatives don’t run with “Vice Representatives.” (P.S. I’m a Malinowski supporter, too. )