Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D-15) today endorsed Dan Benson for Mercer County Executive.

“Dan is not only a tremendous resource as a fellow Mercer Legislator but a good friend.” said Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli, “We have a long history dating back to his first run for office in 1998. He is a man of his word, he puts people first and we share the same commitment to roll up our sleeves and serve those who need it most.”

Verrelli made his statement a day after Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes  announced his pending retirement and said that he is ending his campaign for re-election.  Hughes endorsed his rival, Democratic Assemblyman Brian Benson, in a statement released Wednesday.

Hughes said, “I’ve said throughout this campaign that I’ve never run against a fellow Democrat, and despite the fact that I’m being challenged in this race, it has become clear that the best path forward for Mercer Democrats is for me to step aside. I do not make this decision lightly, after more than 20 years in public office fighting for this county and every last resident… Together, we’ve made Mercer strong. A place you want to live. A place you want to raise your children. A place where you can find a good job and a welcoming community.”

Benson secured the Mercer County line this weekend, taking a hair under 80% of the Democratic county committee, representing a serious blow in Democratic Party machine confidence in incumbent Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes.