The Weird Gimmick That May Decide New Jersey's Next Senator

[Jilly_in_VA]

When Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was indicted for a years-long bribery scheme, Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) seized on the opportunity to launch a Senate bid the very next day.

Pitching himself as a straitlaced alternative to the corruption-magnet that is Menendez, the three-term congressman raked in nearly $1 million over his first week in the race.

“I want to restore integrity back into our politics, show people that there are public servants that are trying to do the right work, and put the people ahead of personal gain or ambition and just be able to deliver for my state,” Kim told The Daily Beast, rehashing a point he has made to just about anybody who will listen.

But just weeks after Kim launched his campaign, a New Jersey political giant has entered the arena. The state’s wealthy and well-connected first lady, Tammy Murphy, announced her Senate bid last month and has since racked up endorsements from powerful local leaders. And while Kim is currently leading in polls, there’s an old school political machine reason why Murphy may become the favorite.

In New Jersey’s primary elections, 19 of 21 counties give prime real estate on the ballot to the preferred candidates of county parties in a process known as the “county line.”

https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-weird-gimmick-that-may-decide-new-jerseys-next-senator

Look carefully, NJ voters, at where you're putting your X!

[SheilaAnn]

1. Gov. Murphy is not Mr. Popular at all in Jersey (my former home state) so I think Rep. Kim might be safe in his seat.

The picture of him down on his knees helping to clean up after the insurrection has stayed in many peoples minds, he is a great guy and deserving of this post. I know little about her but Congressman Kim is my choice if I voted up there.

[JustAnotherGen]

2. I live here now

I would be interested in knowing the resource for this concept?

There was a slight dip in August of last year - but our already strong majority increased in November. I recently won my local election - a Red District - and I had strong GOP Support in my town.

[JustAnotherGen]

3. I'm a Democratic Committee Member

Committed Members are elected at the precinct level every two years. I can give you the address and name of every registered Democratic party member in my precinct.

Each nominee attends the county convention and asks for the line. I know I will start calling next weekend and knocking on doors to find out who people want.

We also have closed primaries - which ensure only the party faithful make a selection in June.

So for the primary, Andy Kim, Tammy Murphy and cross fingers - Tom Malinowski will be on the ballot. The voters pick their nominee - but the Committee selects the line.

Also - if the candidates drop out - we switch the party line to the next highest.

I was in Puerto Rico for the 2020 convention - so I had no part in Bloomberg getting the line.

But by the time of the Primary - Biden secured it.

Remember - we are one of the last states in the primary process, and we are generally ignored . . . we don't register in the minds of the National body politic.

Let New Jersey be New Jersey. For every $6.28 we send to Fed Gov - we get $1 back. For that alone - I say leave us be. We don't ask for anything, take care of ourselves, and don't make problems.


https://smartasset.com/data-studies/states-most-dependent-federal-government-2023#:~:text=For%20every%20%246.28%20New%20Jersey%20forks%20over,to%20the%20federal%20government%2C%20it%20receives%20%241%20back.

[NJCher]

4. thanks for that explanation

I work to GOTV through my AFT union and all this info helps.