LD10 Republicans hit Democrats for Columbus Day bill

Republican lawmakers in the 10th legislative district hit Democrats over a briefly supported bill that would have renamed Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day.

“To Trenton Democrats, it’s all about attention grabbing headlines. Our delegation will always put our constituents first and focus on solving the real problems in this state and not be easily persuaded by what’s trending on Twitter,” State Sen. James Holzapfel (R-Toms River) and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin (R-Toms River) and John Catalano (R-Brick) said.

State Sen. Brian Stack (D-Union City) introduced the bill last month but told the New Jersey Globe he pulled out as a sponsor last week.

The bill, which was first reported by Politico New Jersey, likely would have faced resistance from Republicans and Democrats in districts with sizable Italian American communities.

It also would have opened Democrats up to questions about their priorities.

“Our state has suffered through one of the most challenging times in recent history. We have had a complete shutdown of our economy and we are in the rebuilding process with many more hurdles to still overcome,” the three Republicans said. “Yet, somehow, Trenton Democrats believe now is the appropriate time to rename holidays in an attempt to change our nation’s history.”

Earlier this year, a handful of New Jersey towns faced reckonings over statues of Columbus. Activists charge those statues, as well as the holiday named for the man, commemorate a mass murderer, while Italian Americans view both as a celebration of their heritage.