First Lady Tammy Murphy tonight defeated U.S. Rep. Andy Kim for the backing of the Somerset County Democratic Committee.
Murphy: 207.
Kim: 106.
Sixty-six percent.
The pair are vying in the Democratic Primary to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate.
The Kim Campaign responded to the evening’s results here.
After a brutal beginning to the county committee season, Somerset marked the First Lady’s second win this week, after Monday night’s Murphy victory in Bergen.
Her win came on the same day that disgraced U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that he
would pull the plug on his reelection bid.
Murphy was the favorite going into tonight’s contest in Somerset, in part on the strength of Somerset County Democratic Committee Chair Peg Schaffer, an early and vociferous Tammy Murphy supporter.
Mild dissent at the outset of the meeting hardly turned into significant drama, as the county committee delivered almost the insider prediction earlier in the week of a 70-30% Tammy Murphy advantage over her upstart rival.
More here, for now.
This is a developing story, from Manville’s VFW Building in Somerset County.
More later.
On the GOP side of the equation, Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, running to secure the Republican nomination in her quest for the U.S. Senate seat, issued a statement after the mud-sliding Menendez finally acknowledged his decision to exit the field.
“Gold Bar Bob may be out of the race,” said Serrano,” but that does not absolve the Democrat Party in New Jersey and nationally from enabling and supporting his corruption for years. In fact, corruption and cronyism is a way of life in New Jersey politics, where some party bosses and their favored politicos run the table against the choice of county committee members and voters for the sake of power, and then pursue policies that damage the very people they pretend to represent.”
The frontrunner for the GOP, Serrano tonight simultaneously lost a bid for support from the Passaic County Regular Republican Party to her intraparty rival, former newsman Alex Zdan.
More on the Menendez debacle from The Daily Beast:
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) will not be running for re-election, a source close to the lawmaker told the New York Post. On Thursday, the senator told a Forbes reporter that he would not be resigning, but when asked if he would run to reclaim his seat, he said, “Ah, well, that’s another question.” When the reporter asked when he planned to make that decision, Sen. Menendez replied, “When I decide, and everybody will know.” “He will not be running,” said a source close to Menendez told the Post.
His decision to end it came amid dismal poll numbers.
“Just 16% of Garden State voters approve of the job Menendez is doing while 3 in 4 (74%) disapprove. This is his record low rating – by far – in Monmouth polling going back to 2008. The last time Menendez faced federal corruption charges, he held a much better job rating of 42% approve and 38% disapprove (May 2015).”
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In a surprising turn of events, Tammy Murphy has emerged victorious in the Somerset County race against incumbent Senator Bob Menendez. The race, which was closely watched by political analysts and voters alike, ended with Menendez conceding defeat to Murphy after a hard-fought campaign.
Murphy, a political newcomer and former business executive, ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and transparency in government. Her victory in Somerset County, a traditionally conservative area, is seen as a significant upset and a sign of changing political tides in the region.
Menendez, who has served as Senator for over a decade, faced criticism during the campaign for his handling of various issues, including healthcare and immigration. Despite his experience and name recognition, he was unable to overcome the momentum behind Murphy’s campaign.
The results of the race have been met with mixed reactions from voters in Somerset County. Some are excited about the prospect of new leadership and fresh ideas in government, while others are disappointed to see Menendez lose his seat.
Moving forward, Murphy has pledged to work tirelessly for the people of Somerset County and to uphold the values of integrity and accountability in her role as Senator. Her victory serves as a reminder that grassroots campaigns can make a real impact in local politics and that change is possible when voters come together to support candidates who truly represent their interests.
As Tammy Murphy prepares to take office, all eyes will be on her as she navigates the challenges and responsibilities of serving as Senator for Somerset County. Only time will tell what the future holds for this political newcomer, but one thing is certain – her victory has sent a powerful message about the power of democracy and the importance of civic engagement.
