Brian Bergen endorses Ciattarelli, smacks Spadea

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has picked up the endorsement of Assembly Minority Whip Brian Bergen (R-Denville), one of the most conservative members of the New Jersey legislature.

“He is the best choice to defeat the Democrats in November and the best choice to govern the state of New Jersey. He will work with Trump and support his agenda,” said Bergen.  “He is a dynamic leader, a great person, and the one we need as our governor.”

Bergen slammed one of Ciattarelli’s primary opponents, Bill Spadea, accusing the NJ 101.5 radio host of acting in his “own self-interest.”

“He’s stated openly that, if elected, he would rule by executive order for the first 100 days, ignoring the legislature entirely. He thinks he is Trump, but he’s not,” Bergen stated.  “He’s not capable of leading the way Trump does. He needs to build relationships with the New Jersey legislative body in order to govern, but he is too arrogant to realize that.”

The Morris County Republican called Speadea “a charismatic figure, but claimed that “charisma is a trait shared by many con men.”

“He is a snake oil salesman, plain and simple,” said Bergen.  “I wouldn’t trust him to dog-sit for me, let alone govern our state.”

In his endorsement, Bergen said that Ciattarelli supports many of his core issues: proportional property tax relief for service-disabled veterans, reinstating cost-of-living increases for pensioned retirees, and combating the sports betting epidemic.

He also said he has “great respect for Jon Bramnick,” another candidate in the GOP race.

“When I entered the legislature he took me under his wing and supported me. I wish I thought he was the right person to represent the Republican party in November,” Bergen explained.  “Jon will have my support in virtually everything he does, just not this time.”