Democrats have been giddy of late – or ever since Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden on the presidential ticket.
Polls, more or less, confirm that enthusiasm. No matter if you look at statewide or national polls, Harris is doing much better against Donald Trump than Biden was.
In the constant media focus on “battleground states,” New Jersey never makes the cut. Good reason for that – the last GOP presidential candidate to win New Jersey was George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Nonetheless, the state Republican Committee is singing another tune, and talking pretty bravely.
In a release and solicitation Thursday headlined “Breaking News,” the state committee trumpeted the following:
“This is a big deal! The latest public poll shows NJ Democrats are in danger, and our state could very well be in ‘swing state’ territory!”
Really?
The release refers to a poll taken by National Research Inc., a Republican pollster, that gives Democrat Andy Kim a mere 5-point lead over Republican Curtis Bashaw in the U.S. Senate race.
Moreover, Republicans say that in the generic ballot, Democrats have a smaller lead of only 4-points – 45 to 41.
This is interesting to be sure, but partisan polls are often unreliable.
At the bottom of the Republicans’ communication is something that probably should have been the lead.
That was a reminder that voting actually begins in 24 days when mail-in voters will receive their ballots.
“We have a plan to reach every single vote-by-mail recipient and ensure Republican ballots are returned quickly, safely, and securely. We will protect the vote,” the state committee says.
This is more of a big deal than the poll.
As has been well documented, Republican and conservative voters often eschew voting by mail. It is common for Dems to return about three times as many mail-in ballots as Republicans do.
The practical result is that when polls close and the mail-in vote is released, Democratic candidates often have a big lead. It’s like always losing by two touchdowns at the end of the first quarter.
Curiously, I have heard many GOP leaders and candidates telling voters to trust the mail-in process and put their vote “in the bank,” thereby leaving nothing to chance on Election Day – like an illness, lousy weather or family emergency.
So far it hasn’t worked.
But now Republicans say they “have a plan.”
Let’s see how it turns out.
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The New Jersey Republican Party (NJGOP) is making a bold move to increase competition in the traditionally Democratic-dominated state of New Jersey. With the upcoming 2022 midterm elections on the horizon, the NJGOP is ramping up its efforts to challenge the Democratic stronghold and bring more diversity to the political landscape.
One of the key strategies being employed by the NJGOP is to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to run for office. This includes reaching out to individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and professions who may not have previously considered running for political office. By expanding the pool of potential candidates, the NJGOP hopes to attract a broader range of voters and appeal to a more diverse electorate.
In addition to recruiting new candidates, the NJGOP is also focusing on grassroots organizing and mobilizing supporters across the state. This includes hosting events, door-to-door canvassing, and engaging with voters on social media platforms. By building a strong grassroots network, the NJGOP aims to increase voter turnout and support for Republican candidates in the upcoming elections.
Furthermore, the NJGOP is working to highlight key issues that resonate with New Jersey voters, such as taxes, education, and public safety. By focusing on these issues and offering solutions that align with the values of New Jersey residents, the NJGOP hopes to gain traction and appeal to a wider audience.
Overall, the NJGOP’s efforts to increase competition in Democratic-dominated New Jersey are a strategic move to shake up the political status quo and bring new voices and perspectives to the table. With the 2022 midterm elections fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how these efforts play out and whether the NJGOP can make significant gains in a traditionally blue state.
