Report: Dems urging Van Drew to challenge LoBiondo
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R., N.J.) could face his toughest challenge yet if national Democrats get their way.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R., N.J.) could face his toughest challenge yet if national Democrats get their way.
The party's national Congressional campaign arm is pushing state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D., Cape May) to finally make his long-rumored run for Congress as they seek to oust LoBiondo, an 11-term incumbent, PolitickerNJ reported Tuesday.
Van Drew has a long history of winning state legislative races in the moderate district and has close ties to the powerful South Jersey political operation led by insurance broker George Norcross, III and Senate President Steve Sweeney (D., Gloucester). Unlike some national party picks, Van Drew would likely receive enthusiastic support from operatives experienced in local politics.
LoBiondo represents a sprawling South Jersey district that President Obama won twice, giving Democrats hope they can take it, with the right candidate and right political environment.
The party has made noise about toppling LoBiondo before – without success – but they've never had a candidate as well known in the area as Van Drew. National Democrats are "actively recruiting" him, PolitickerNJ reported.
Van Drew told the web site that he is focusing on this year's Assembly races for now.
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