RANDOLPH – Andy Kim likes to say he’s been elected in a district – the 3rd – that also voted for Donald Trump.
That is quite the dichotomy, but Kim’s point is more than mere trivia. It suggests that he – now-Senate candidate Kim – has cross-section appeal.
At a Democratic event Wednesday evening at County College of Morris, Kim said he hopes that people see him as a person trying to “address the issues we are facing.”
This is key to any campaign – getting beyond ideology and appealing to common sense.
It’s also quite important in the battle at hand – the U.S. Senate contest between Kim, a House member for six years, and Republican Curtis Bashaw, a Cape May hotel operator.
A central argument of Bashaw’s campaign is that Kim represents the “far out” liberal wing of the Democratic party.
That’s something Kim wants to counter, and his win in a district that also backed Trump is meant to do just that. (One, of course, is left to wonder what would possess a voter to support both Trump and Kim, but that’s a story for another day).
Wednesday’s event was officially for the three Democratic commission candidates in Morris County – Jonathan Sackett, Justin Strickland and Bud Ravitz. They are trying to make history – win a county commission seat as Democrats in Morris for the first time since 1973.
But Kim was definitely the headliner.
He began by saying most people in New Jersey have a low opinion of politicians. In fact, he said many think politicians are “crooks.”
This certainly hits home. Kim and Bashaw are vying to replace the convicted Bob Menendez in the Senate.
One way to fight that is by offering honest representation. Sounds simple, no?
Beyond that, Kim talked about legislation he backs to ban stock trading by members of Congress. Far too often, he said, he sees House members who own stock in companies that do business with the government.
No Democratic event is complete without talk of reproductive rights.
Kim asked, what does freedom really mean if a woman can not make her own decision regarding her body and health?
He noted that the only way to restore abortion rights nationwide is to support Democrats.
Kim, a one time State Department diplomat, took an audience question about foreign policy. He criticized trends to neo-isolationism, adding that it’s important for the U.S. to remain strong – and not just militarily.
To that end, Kim praised such things as the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Chips Act, which supports manufacturing microchips in the U.S.
Relative to his winning in a Trump district, Kim also talked about a town hall he had in a Republican part of the district. He said there were tough questions and some tension in the room.
But afterwards, a man came up to him and said he had not voted for him. But he also told Kim he was glad to have attended the town hall and to have heard the congressman speak.
It is that type of connection Kim clearly wants to establish throughout New Jersey.
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Kim accelerates his campaign efforts according to Insider NJ
New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim has been ramping up his campaign efforts in recent weeks, according to reports from Insider NJ. The Democratic incumbent is facing a tough reelection battle in the upcoming midterm elections, and he is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to secure another term in office.
One of the key ways Kim has been accelerating his campaign efforts is by increasing his presence on social media. He has been actively engaging with voters on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, sharing updates on his campaign and highlighting his accomplishments in Congress. This strategy allows Kim to reach a wider audience and connect with voters who may not be able to attend in-person events.
In addition to his social media efforts, Kim has also been hitting the campaign trail hard, attending numerous events and speaking engagements throughout his district. He has been meeting with constituents, listening to their concerns, and sharing his vision for the future of New Jersey. By engaging directly with voters, Kim is able to build relationships and earn their support.
Furthermore, Kim has been focusing on fundraising in order to finance his reelection campaign. He has been hosting virtual fundraisers and reaching out to donors for support. Money is crucial in politics, and Kim knows that he needs a strong financial backing in order to compete effectively against his Republican challenger.
Overall, Andy Kim is leaving no stone unturned in his campaign efforts. By increasing his presence on social media, hitting the campaign trail, and focusing on fundraising, he is positioning himself for success in the upcoming midterm elections. Voters in New Jersey can expect to see a lot more of Andy Kim in the coming months as he works tirelessly to secure another term in office.
