When First Lady Tammy Murphy announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, political critics immediately cried it was nepotism run amuck and an egregious case of bossism and smoke-filled backroom deals.

They also pointed out that she had been a registered Republican until changing her party affiliation in 2014.

None of the criticisms rise to the level of disqualifying her candidacy, designed rather to raise questions about her motives for challenging for the nomination and to suggest that less than altruistic considerations drove the party establishment to fall into line behind her and assure her success by, among other acts, awarding her advantageous ballot position — the so-called party line — in those counties that adhere to the system.

While the nepotism and secret dealing among party leaders are debatable allegations, attributing her decision to change party affiliation to some sort of nefarious or conspiratorial plot is a weak and spurious attempt to undermine her commitment to Democratic principles and ideals.

Such changes have a long and rich history in American politics, often reflecting insurmountable disagreements over policies and governing philosophy.

Perhaps the most notable party switcher was Ronald Reagan who turned Republican in1962 and, in an explanation that endures to this day, said: “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party; the Democratic Party left me.”

Elizabeth Dole became a Republican in 1975 and went on to serve in two cabinet positions and a U.S. Senator.

Condolezza Rice switched affiliation to Republican in 1982 and served as Secretary of State in the George Bush Administration.

In 2001, Michael Bloomberg joined the Republican Party and won election as mayor of New York.

Among prominent party changers who left the Republican Party to become Democrats are Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Congressman and Clinton Administration official Leon Panetta and former Congresswoman Gabriella Giffords of Arizona.

Most notable of all, however, is Hillary Clinton — yes, you read that correctly — who was a “Goldwater Girl” in 1964 and attended the 1968 Republican national convention.

For sheer self-interest. though, it’s difficult to top former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter who switched from Democrat to Republican in 1965 and from Republican back to Democrat in 2009.

For the more history obsessed, Hannibal Hamlin was a Democrat Senator from Maine who jumped to the Republican Party to secure a place as vice president on the ticket with Abraham Lincoln in1865.

For Tammy Murphy, the nepotism issue was inevitable although its impact was blunted by the silence which surrounded Sen. Bob Menendez clearing the field in 2022 for the congressional candidacy of his son, Rob, in the 8^th district.

The rapid endorsements by county chairs, legislators and party establishment leaders were obviously orchestrated to create momentum and an air of inevitability around her candidacy.

It again raised the thorny issue of the county line and the many years of unsuccessful efforts to abolish the practice as grossly unfair if not blatantly unconstitutional.

The hard fact, though, is that it exists and county leaders will continue to jealously guard their prerogative to screen and endorse in contested primary elections.  Voluntary surrender is not an option and the practice will survive until a court rules otherwise.

The contest to secure the nomination to replace scandal-scarred Sen. Menendez is clearly the marquee confrontation in the June 4 primary.

Tammy Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim are the early and acknowledged leaders while the Senator himself has yet to announce his intention to seek re-election or stand aside in the face of no party support and repeated calls for his resignation.

Patricia Campos-Medina, a labor leader and long-time Democratic Party progressive activist has entered the race as well and could have an impact although odds of a victory are long.

Kim is certainly a formidable candidate — qualified, experienced and well funded — and a significant threat to Murphy.

He faces the influence of the county line, however, an obstacle which has over the years claimed many a candidate and ended their aspirations.

He will carry out a strong campaign to be sure, hopefully raising those issues of deep concern — inflation, immigration, foreign policy, etc. — and engage with Murphy in a contest of ideas.

Her marital status isn’t about to change (so much for nepotism) nor is it likely that the county line will magically vanish. Given the long history of party switching, harping on it as an issue against her will come across as petty whining.

Ideas have consequences.  In June, Democratic voters will have an opportunity to decide whose ideas are of greater consequence.  They shouldn’t be party switching, nepotism or ballot position.

Carl Golden is a senior contributing analyst with the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University.