MOUNT OLIVE – Tom H. Kean Jr. won his CD-7 seat two years ago by not really engaging with the press or having public events.
He’s following the same pattern this year as he seeks reelection. This has continued to cause angst among the media, Democrats and some public interest groups.
But do voters in a district that ranges over at least parts of six counties in central and western Jersey care?
In other words, are some people going to vote against Kean simply because he doesn’t do interviews or public events. (By that, I mean campaign rallies etc. that are advertised in advance and open to all comers.)
Sue Altman thinks they do.
Here’s what the Democratic candidate said after holding a town hall Saturday afternoon in this Morris County town:
“Tom Kean Jr. dodges the press, doesn’t do town halls … people care about that because they care about the democracy. And not just in an esoteric concept. But democracy in terms of how it functions in this district. These are people who expect a high degree of service from their elected officials.”
We’ll have to wait until Election Day to find out if she is right.
But just for the record, on this day, Altman was hosting her second town hall of the week; Kean was holding a closed fundraising event just a few miles away in Long Valley.
Morris County Republicans were paying attention. They asked supporters to show up and ask Altman tough questions.
“I want the difficult questions. I invite the difficult questions,” Altman said in response to the Republicans’ plan.
One such question was about a tweet Altman made back in 2020 about “defunding the police.”
Republicans, not surprisingly, want to talk about this.
Altman has not shied away from it. She said today:
“It was a mistake,” and one that she has “owned up to.”
Interestingly, another questioner said he was a retired police officer. He condemned Kean for his support to end cost of living pension adjustments for police officers while he was in the New Jersey Senate.
Another less than friendly question came from a man who said that things often go bad when Dems are in charge. He referred to New Jersey’s high cost of living and to rising inflation and interest rates under the Biden Administration.
There are many complexities here. For example, the pandemic helped cause inflation and the structure of New Jersey government – home rule and its many towns and school districts – leads to high taxes.
“I don’t have a perfect answer for you,” Altman said. But she pledged to “fight like hell” on residents’ behalf if she gets to Congress.
The Democratic candidate also stressed her support to combat climate change and for women’s reproductive rights.She said she took heart from a man she met in Republican Sussex County who condemned J.D Vamce’s unflattering comments about women.
She also contended that Kean may have been elected as a moderate, but now he’s fundraising with right-wing House Speaker Mike Johnson and refusing to sign a bipartisan letter pledging to support the outcome of the 2024 election.
Kean’s aversion to meeting the public in such settings, however, can not be ignored.
“Tom Kean refuses to show up,” she said. “Will he defend his record, or will he hide from it?”
(Visited 1 times, 10 visits today)
Kean’s Cloak of Invisibility: A Look Inside Insider NJ
Insider NJ is a popular news website that covers politics, policy, and government in New Jersey. The site is known for its in-depth coverage of local and state politics, as well as its insider perspective on the inner workings of New Jersey’s political scene. One of the most intriguing aspects of Insider NJ is its connection to Kean University, which has been dubbed “Kean’s Cloak of Invisibility.”
Kean’s Cloak of Invisibility refers to the close relationship between Insider NJ and Kean University, which is located in Union, New Jersey. The university has a long history of producing influential political figures, including former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean Sr. and his son, former Governor Thomas Kean Jr. This connection has given Insider NJ unique access to the state’s political elite, allowing the site to break news stories and provide analysis that is not available anywhere else.
One of the key features of Insider NJ is its insider perspective on New Jersey politics. The site’s reporters have deep connections within the state’s political circles, allowing them to provide readers with behind-the-scenes insights into the decision-making process of New Jersey’s lawmakers. This insider perspective has made Insider NJ a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of New Jersey politics.
In addition to its insider perspective, Insider NJ also provides in-depth coverage of key policy issues facing New Jersey. The site covers a wide range of topics, including education, healthcare, transportation, and the environment. Its reporters are known for their thorough research and analysis, making Insider NJ a trusted source for information on important policy debates in the state.
Overall, Insider NJ’s connection to Kean University gives it a unique advantage in covering New Jersey politics. The site’s insider perspective and in-depth coverage of policy issues have made it a go-to source for anyone looking to understand the complexities of the state’s political landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned political junkie or just interested in learning more about New Jersey politics, Insider NJ is definitely worth checking out.
