Giblin opposes open presidential primary

Assemblyman Tom Giblin isn’t supporting an open presidential primary in New Jersey.

“Other states already had their primaries and didn’t have that provision, so I don’t see anything wrong if there’s county organizations that want to back certain candidates,” he said. “That’s worked well in the past, and I’m in favor of that as a former party chair, statewide and county.”

Giblin chaired the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at the turn of the century and was Essex County Democratic chairman for a decade.

Separately, he said he supports organizational lines.

Some progressives have called for the abolition of party lines, claiming they stymie primary challenges.