Ciattarelli won’t rule out running down-ballot slates against hostile GOP organizations

Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli wouldn’t rule out running organizational lines in counties where other gubernatorial candidates win party support, though he said he didn’t believe it would come to that.

“I don’t see the need for that at this point. That’s one of the reasons why you start early. I will work if from the bottom up. I always have, and I’m finding great grassroots support all throughout the state,” he said.

Ciattarelli formally announced his bid for Gov. Phil Murphy’s seat Tuesday.

He’s already received the endorsement of Somerset County Chairman Al Gaburo, a childhood friend, but he declined to close the door on fielding challengers to establishment counties backing primary opponents down the ballot.

“We didn’t close it last time, but I think with this runway and the way that I work the grassroots, I think we’re going to be just fine,” he said. “I think we’re going to be just fine with winning the county lines and being victorious in the primary and onto the elections in November.”