Ginny Haines backs Ciattarelli in N.J. governor’s race

Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines has endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for governor, giving the GOP candidate his first prominent endorsement in the state’s most Republican county.

“Jack is exactly the Governor New Jersey needs right now,” Haines stated. “He’s created jobs and built small businesses here. He has stood up to special interests and put forward bold plans to make New Jersey more affordable.”

She said Ciattarelli’s “proven track record of delivering results makes this decision easy.”

“Jack is the only candidate for Governor who can win and do the job,” said Haines.

Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore is backing NJ 101.5 radio personality Bill Spadea in the Republican primary and is expected to bring much of the organization with him.  Ocean has 193,521 registered Republicans – the most in the state – and makes up 12% of the statewide Republican electorate.

Haines, a three-time Donald Trump delegate, sought to link Ciattarelli with the President-elect.

“Jack Ciattarelli is the only candidate who can build on President Trump’s momentum and work with the President to end our sanctuary policies, cut prices, and put New Jersey first,” she said.  “He has my full support.”

Haines is a Republican stalwart who was a close ally of Gilmore until the two split a few years ago. She is a former assemblywoman, state lottery director, and Republican National Committeewoman; Haines remains the Ocean County GOP State Committeewoman.