Lonegan accuses Space of taking union money with promise of support for gas tax

Steve Lonegan today criticized his opponent in the Republican primary for State Senate, Assemblyman Parker Space (R-Wantage), for accepting campaign contributions from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825,  a blue-collar building trades union that supports the continuation of New Jersey ‘s gas tax.

“Since 2019, Space has taken a whopping $13,200 from Local 825 — the leading advocate for the current gas tax and the expected leader in a 2024 fight to implement a mileage tax that will mandate invasive trackers be installed in every car, truck, and minivan in New Jersey,” Lonegan said.

Lonegan claims that Space and his running mates are receiving a “cash infusions” that are tied to a “full-throated endorsement of the gas tax and his promised support for renewing the gas tax in the Senate.”

But Space was one of 27 members of the State Assembly to vote against the gas tax when it was approved by the legislature in October 2016.

“Parker Space is whining about the conservative support I’m earning across New Jersey for my leadership on issues he barely understands because he’s keeping his lackluster campaign afloat with massive contributions from the gas tax union in what appears to be a quid pro quo that will cost taxpayers dearly,” Lonegan alleged.

Lonegan said he would oppose the gas tax.

“I’ll oppose mileage trackers in our cars, and I’ll drag the entire Republican Party to oppose them as well.,” he said.  “Just like I did Corzine’s Toll Hike Scam.”