Don’t criticize Trump, Rogers warns Republicans

Nutley Commissioner Steven Rogers, a member of President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election advisory board, on Monday said some Republican leaders told him they would not run on criticism of Trump.

“I expressed my view that anyone who criticizes President Trump will not get the support of Trump voters. The president has a very loyal base that will not tolerate such behavior.” Rogers said. “The individuals I met with made it clear to me that criticism of the President will not occur and that the focus of attention will be on democrat socialist candidates and Governor Murphy’s agenda.”

Rogers said he was fully behind the state Republican party and cautioned candidates challenging organization-backed candidates using MAGA slogans.

The latter comments are an apparent shot at Assemblyman Joe Howarth (R-Evesham), who is mounting an off-the-line re-election bid using a MAGA slogan after losing party support over a belief he attempted to join State Sen. Dawn Addiego (D-Evesham) the other side of the aisle after she defected to the Democratic party earlier this year.

“They serve no purpose but to divide the GOP, help the democrats and ultimately hurt the President,” Rogers said of such candidates. “I suggest that voters do a lot of research before they give anyone support. Voters might me surprised they are being greatly mislead. I also suggest that Republicans take the time to contact their county GOP chair, they will find these leaders to be deeply committed to our state, nation, and President.”