Assemblyman Herb Conaway suggested Assemblyman Jamel Holley’s opposition to a bill eliminating a religious vaccination exemption wasn’t winning him any friends in the legislature’s lower chamber.
“You said that, not me. But you’d be right,” said Conaway, who chairs the Assembly Health Committee.
Holley has been the vaccine bill’s chief opponent in the Assembly.
He lobbied members of the Legislative Black Caucus against an amended version of the bill that lawmakers aimed to pass the day before the end of the lame duck session. That bill failed to win enough support in the Senate.
Last week, prominent anti-vaccine activist Robert Kennedy held a fundraiser for Holley and met with members of the LBC to discuss anti-vaxx arguments.
It’s not yet clear whether Holley’s opposition to the vaccine bill will affect his chances at re-election, but a dissatisfied leadership team could complicate the contest.
“Well, let me just say that it is unusual for someone to come out against the held and demonstrated stance of the presiding officer in his house and the majority of the members in the house of which he serves,” Conaway said. “As to re-election, I have no comment on that, but I would just say his actions are rare. I wouldn’t say they’re unprecedented, but they are rare.”
Any real challenge would come during a primary.
View Comments (21)
What a preposterous stance by Dr. Conway! I’m proud that MY Assemblyman (Holley) has the courage to stand for parental and religious rights and anti segregation. We elect officials to represent “us” not to make friends amongst themselves!
When you speak Truth, don’t worry about making enemies, those were never your true friends anyway. We need more people who will stand up for what is right over merely looking at for their own political agenda. The people have your back Mr. Holley!
In his last quieter, does Herb actually mean that Holley chose to upheld his oath on constitution and serve his people instead of serving Herbs’s agenda? Herb Conaway couldn’t even answer simple questions about his bill when presented in front of assembly. Which should have been thought through before passing something as serious as stripping people of their religious and medical right, not to mention a full on discrimination and segregation of children!
Very impressed with Holly and the only thing rare here is when an elected official actually works to uphold the best interests of the people. Politics has gotten so ugly and Holly is a breath of fresh air!
I am a registered Republican but what Holly is doing is preserving the rights of the citizens! This all republican voters will support and he will win even the republican’s votes on this!
What is rare? That he is standing up against Big Pharma and supporting religious and medical freedom?? Or, is it rare for a government official to go against the current and do the right thing? He has the ingredients of what makes a hero. Maybe other officials should take notes.
I agree. He's a rare gem and i hope others can learn from him.
Well seems to me this is the problem with Jersey politics. Basically how dare he stand up for what he thinks is right and go against the boss man. He is there to be a voice for the people not a tool of the machine of Jersey Democrats and their corruption. Good for him taking a stand for a minority group being attacked by it's own govt. Mr Sweeney is busy going to war with the citizens, it's time a warrior stood up against him.
Instead of falling into lockstep with corrupt party leadership which seeks to remove religious liberties, parental rights, personal and medical freedoms, Assemblyman Holley's integrity is indeed rare. I am not at all surprised to hear that Assemblyman Herb Conaway doesn't understand this level of integrity. His allegiance to his party and their deep-pocketed special-interest donors have apparently caused him to become willfully blind.
Rest assured Representative Holley, you are indeed making friends. We will not forget you. Thank you for your courage, and your integrity.
Barry Milazzo - Father of a Vaccine Brain-injured Child
Asm. Conaway does not appear to understand how much love ( and $$$) Asm. Holley is getting from the people of NJ right now, because he has earned their adulation and respect. I predict that Asm. Holley will win re-election easily. I'm not as certain about Asm. Conaway's re-election prospects, however. When you stand up for the people (over industry), the people stand up for you. Funny how that works....
Oh, you mean he’s not bought like some Norcross friends are! Great! I stand with Holley!
What, is he the only one not taking payoffs from big pharma?