Former U.S. Rep. Dick Zimmer is out and former U.S. Rep. Mike Pappas is in as the GOP candidate to replace state Senator Kip Bateman (R-16).

A one-term congressman beaten by Rush Holt, Pappas works as the township administrator in Bridgewater, selected by Mayor Matt Moench to oversee day-to-day operations of the township.

Zimmer bowed out on Wednesday morning.

The GOP apparently has a non-union truck driver lined up to run against Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) a source told InsiderNJ.

“Just a regular guy,” said the source.

More later.

By acclimation, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) this evening received the Somerset GOP line.

Former Freeholder Brian Levine expressed irritation at the process, calling the party organization method of determining support for Ciattarelli “a shame.”

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey — A spot on the Atlantic City Boardwalk where movie stars, athletes and rock stars used to party – and a future president honed his instincts for bravado and hype – was reduced to a smoking pile of rubble on Wednesday, according to this report.

On Tuesday night, LGBTQ+ leaders across the state raised 15k for the Democratic Governors Association. Special guests included Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy. The Zoom fundraising event was hosted by Joe Forte and Lauren Albrecht.

Council President Hazim Yassin and Councilwoman Kate Triggiano officially kicked off their campaign on February 11th, through a Zoom event hosted by Governor Phil Murphy and Monmouth County Democrats Chairman David G. Brown II.

During the event, with attendance of over 100 local supporters, Governor Murphy stated, “These are two extraordinary leaders I have gotten to know over the past number of years. You’re outstanding Democrats and you do what the residents need you to do which is to make government work for them, especially for those who have nowhere else to turn, and that’s the most compelling reason they deserve to win re-election.”

Triggiano and Yassin were first elected in 2018, winning with more than 62% of the vote. Since being elected, both have become leaders on the Council. Together they championed progressive environmental policies to ensure Red Bank is carbon neutral by 2030 and protected the business community during Covid-19, leading the effort to close down Broad Street to expand outdoor dining.

“I am proud of the work we have accomplished in Red Bank, but our work is not done. To ensure Red Bank stays the progressive leader of Monmouth County, we must protect our environmental resources, sustain our public safety and community relations, and continue to make sure all residents are heard,” said Councilwoman Kate Triggiano.

“Thank you to Chairman Brown and Governor Murphy for hosting our kickoff event. I am proud of the work we have done to expand outdoor dining and keep businesses open during Covid-19, and I am excited to continue the progress we have started in Red Bank,” said Council President Hazim Yassin.

Yassin is the first Muslim-American elected in the history of Monmouth County and Triggiano is a member of the LGBTQ community.

Councilmembers Triggiano and Yassin are currently endorsed by Red Bank Mayor Pat Menna, Councilwoman Kathy Horgan, and Councilman Erik Yngstrom.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO made a point of thanking U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2) for becoming a co-sponsor of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act).

Van Drew joins all the members of the New Jersey congressional delegation – our two senators and 11 other House representatives – in supporting the labor reforms.

The PRO Act, which now has 207 sponsors in the House and more than 40 in the Senate, protects the right to join a union; strengthens workers’ right to stand together and negotiate for better working conditions, including a first contract; authorizes meaningful penalties for employers that violate workers’ rights, especially through a stronger National Labor Relations Board; and restores fairness to an economy that is rigged against workers.

In a release, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO said it “looks forward to working with our state delegation to get the PRO Act passed swiftly for all working families.”

The Atlantic County GOP convention is going to be in late March.

So said AC Republican Chairman Keith Davis last night at the Somers Point GOP meeting.

Atlantic City Councilman Jesse O. Kurtz and Commissioner John Risley were there as they presumably (barring a shake-up at the top of the legislative ticket) seek the GOP nomination for the assembly seats in LD2 where Democrats Assemblymen John Armato and Vince Mazzeo are presumably poised to run for reelection.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli addressed the room.

But murmurs in the crowd mostly concerned the political future of state Senator Chris Brown (R-2), who is said to be tired of the Trenton Swamp and has not yet committed to running for reelection.

Brown wasn’t in the room, incidentally.

A source told InsiderNJ that a Democratic charm offensive is in full effect, as the majority party seeks to augment its power by seizing on Republican dispiritedness and disarray in the Trump aftermath by bulking up with senate seats that contain “Ds” next to the names of the occupants.

Two Red Bank Democrats have tossed their hats into the ring to run for Borough Council, contesting the seats currently held by Freshman Democratic Council members Kate Triggiano and Hazim Yassin, the Democratic Municipal Committee has announced.

According to Red Bank Democratic Party Chairman Ed Zipprich, the Committee received Letters of Intent to run from two residents: long-time Red Bank Resident Dr. LeRoi Jones, Zoning Board member Bruce Maida.  Incumbent Council members Triggiano and Yassin did not file letters of intent to run.

“Our Democratic Party process is long-standing and very simple,” Zipprich said.  “Party members were advised, via multiple email notifications and social media posts, of the nominating requirements. Interested candidates must submit letters of intent to the municipal Chair and/or Vice-Chair Lauren Nicosia by the deadline, which this year was February 15, 2021 at 5 p.m.

The formal Democratic nominating convention, which, due to Covid-19 restrictions, will be held virtually on Tuesday, March 2 at 5 pm.  The winning candidates will receive the endorsement of the Monmouth County Democratic Organization.