LD8 Dems call for rivals to condemn Bramnick over website

Editor’s Note: This article was updated with comment from Ryan Peters and Jean Stanfield at 5:51 p.m.

Democrats in the eighth legislative district are calling on their Republican opponents to condemn Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick over language on his law firm’s website that offered to work to discredit sexual assault accusers.

“As an attorney, I believe that everyone is entitled to a zealous defense.  But as a survivor of domestic violence, I also know firsthand how challenging it is for victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence to navigate the criminal justice system and to have their experiences taken seriously,” Gina LaPlaca said. “Bramnick’s website reads like a user manual on how to gaslight and undermine the credibility of victims, many of whom are already too scared and ashamed to come forward for fear that they will not be believed.”

Language on the website of Bramnick’s law firm that has since been removed said “we will investigate your case and seek to discredit your accuser,” among other things.

The language was first reported by the New Jersey Globe.

Assemblyman Ryan Peters and former Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield agreed that the comments were troubling but stopped short of condemning Bramnick

“Ensuring victims are supported and the accused have access to a vigorous defense are the cornerstones of our system of justice and our Constitution.  As a former prosecutor and a combat veteran, those principles mean a great deal to both of us,” the Republicans said. “While we agree with our opponents that this is a serious issue, we find it disappointing that their outrage at domestic abuse is much more muted when it happens within their own political party.  The next time Gina and Mark publicly condemn admitted domestic abusers like George Youngkin or Arthur Barclay will be the first time.  Their silence on those matters speaks volumes about their attempt to score political points on this.”

George Youngkin was a Democratic Burlington County Freeholder who won re-election after stepped out of his 2018 race after the press reported he was charged with domestic abuse in 2009 but remained on the ballot because the deadline to replace him had passed.

He resigned less than a day after taking office.

Former Assemblyman Arthur Barclay resigned last year after the New Jersey Globe reported he was arrested for punching his then girlfriend in the face.

Charges were eventually dropped in both cases.

Since Thursday, Bramnick has faced a wave of criticism from Democrats and advocates for victims of sexual assault over the website’s contents.

That criticism had been largely limited to the 21st district, but it’s not bled into another competitive race.

“Nobody respects the role of trial attorneys and the right to competent counsel more than me, but this is beyond the pale.” Mark Natale said, “As an attorney who regularly represents victims of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse, I find the idea that victims are all jealous liars who need to be discredited repulsive and beneath our profession.”

Both Democrats are attorneys.

In addition to the call for condemnation, the challengers demanded Peters return a May donation from Bramnick.

During the Republican primary, Bramnick used his campaign account to give $5,000 to Peters’ re-election campaign.

“Rape is the most under-reported crime in America because victims are often terrified of the retaliation and victim-blaming that comes along with reporting their assault. Unfortunately, the Minority Leader demonstrated exactly why they have a right to be afraid,” the Democrats said in a joint statement. “We hope our opponents show the courage & principles necessary to stand up and do the right thing.”