Press Conference in Camden At 1PM Today To Complain About Problems Those Holding The Press Conference Have Only Themselves To Blame For

Now that surrogates are lining up to fight in the war between Governor Phil Murphy and George Norcross don’t expect the fight to end any time soon.

Last week Camden’s mayor, two former governors, corporate and union leaders got together to praise the tax incentives that are at the center of the Murphy-Norcross war.

Thanks to the folks over at InsiderNJ I learned there will be a press conference in Camden at 1PM today featuring “The Camden We Choose Coalition, Camden residents, NAACP, National Action Network, Camden Teachers Union, Camden Parents Union, CWA, Camden High Alumni association, Concerned Black Clergy, and others.”

I get it, lots of folks, both Democrats and Republicans are using the Murphy-Norcross war to take shots at Norcross. Pretty much everybody the Norcross machine has defeated hates the man. Why not use the opportunity?

What I don’t get is they all know Murphy is a terrible governor. Why praise the man? The folks holding today’s press conference heaped praise on Murphy, saying in their release:

The Governor is more than welcome in Camden, and in fact we invite him here. 89% of Camden residents voted for Governor Murphy in 2017, and he’s been a strong supporter of the City since his election. We look forward to working with him to make Camden even stronger.

In what world has Governor Murphy been a “strong supporter” of Camden? I didn’t think Murphy even knew South Jersey exists. I may not have always agreed with former Governor Chris Christie and definitely didn’t like some of his visits to Camden, but like it or not, Christie did more for Camden than Murphy ever will. I won’t mention his name, but I do recall during the last gubernatorial election being told by a Camco freeholder that he was voting for Christie in his reelection because he did more for Camden than any other governor.

So, these folks are going to join Murphy’s side in this war. I’m also willing to bet at least some of the column 4 insurgent Democrats will appear at today’s press conference. And, this press conference will change nothing. The column 4 Democrats will lose in the June primary and then come November they will vote for the very people they are running against.

I don’t mind the Murphy-Norcross war, it’s likely going to yield some good issues for Camco Republicans to run on. What I do mind is that it will change nothing come November. Camden voters will vote the same as they’ve done for longer than I’ve been able to vote – straight Democrat.

83 years with a Democrat as mayor. 46 years with a Democrat in the state Senate and the state Assembly. 44 years with a Democrat in Congress. The same people holding this press conference are responsible for the issues they’re complaining about. They have no one to blame but themselves.

Could The Murphy-Norcross War Be Hurting The Recall Murphy Effort?

At the Bob & Steve Show we’ve talked about the effort to recall Phil Murphy quite a bit on the radio show. Even though the odds of a recall actually happening are slim, we support the effort. I’ve signed a petition.

Unfortunately, for the effort, I’ve been at two events recently where folks have refused to sign the recall petition. The reason for refusal? Governor Phil Murphy is going after George Norcross.

Just last evening at a gathering of Republicans in North Camden, yes you read that right, Camden County Republicans had a meeting in Camden City, where the recall petition was circulating at least two people refuse to sign the petition.

One of the people who refused to sign the petition I’ve known for at least 10 years. He’s a Camden resident, a good Republican and more conservative than me. I asked him why he wouldn’t sign. His answer was clear, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend. As long as Murphy is going after Norcross I am not signing that petition.”

Maybe I’m just wondering out loud here, but if Republicans living in Camden aren’t willing to sign a petition to recall Murphy because he’s “going after Norcross” how many more voters out there are thinking the same way?

It’s something to think about.

PRESS RELEASE: One Party Control In Trenton Is Failing New Jersey

NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt weighed in on the current civil war within the state’s Democratic party today. His press release follows:

Trenton, NJ - Democrat infighting in Trenton has left state government at a total deadlock. NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt offered the following comment on the growing civil war among Democrat factions in New Jersey. 

"Governor Murphy and Democrat leaders in the legislature are locked into a war over power, not ideas. New Jersey desperately needs ideological diversity in the State house. Instead of racing to control more taxpayer dollars, our leaders in Trenton should be racing to find ways to send those dollars back into the pockets of middle class families and small businesses. One party rule is failing the people of New Jersey and it's time for voters to send a conservative check and balance to the legislature. New Jersey deserves honest solutions to real problems."

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