NJEA PAC Endorses Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021 Democratic Primary
Giving evidence of a razor sharp focus on the 2020 election cycle – while simultaneously burying the potential for state Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) to turn his Chapter 78 spade work into grander designs, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, the 125-member NJEA PAC Operating Committee voted to endorse Gov. Phil Murphy in the 2021 Democratic Primary.
The committee, which met via Zoom, was acting upon the recommendation of the NJEA PAC Screening Committee. The governor, who is the only declared candidate in the Democratic primary, completed a questionnaire on NJEA’s issues and was interviewed by a panel of members and NJEA officers. The news not only relegated Sweeney to the district that exploded in an NJEA versus Sweeney showdown four years ago, but aimed at an early smothering of the potential for a primary against the governor, which looked unlikely anyway. Here’s their official release: On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the 125-member NJEA PAC Operating Committee voted overwhelmingly to endorse Gov. Phil Murphy in the 2021 Democratic Primary. The committee, which met via Zoom, was acting upon the recommendation of the NJEA PAC Screening Committee. The governor, who is the only declared candidate in the Democratic primary, completed a questionnaire on NJEA’s issues and was interviewed by a panel of members and NJEA officers. “Gov. Murphy has demonstrated time and time again that he keeps his promises,” said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “It is so vital to the success of our students and our members that we have a governor who listens to education experts and works with us to develop solutions that work for all of us. He has shown that, regardless of job description, he respects the contributions of every school employee, and he has signed legislation to ensure fairer working conditions.” “We are at a tipping point in our society and the question is, who will lead our state to a future that works for everyone?” said NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller. “Gov. Murphy shares our commitment to social justice. He knows there is much work to be done and he is eager to work with us and other partners to diversify our workforce and our curriculum. That’s the kind of leadership we need in order to make long-lasting change that benefits everyone.” “There is no governor in the nation who has worked as closely and collaboratively with public employee unions than Gov. Murphy,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beatty. “Gov. Murphy is committed to putting New Jersey on a strong financial footing and he has done that by addressing inequality and exploitation of working families. He shares our vision of a New Jersey that respects and supports the people who make this state run and make our public schools the very best in the nation..” The NJEA PAC cited Gov. Murphy’s strong record on the issues that matter most to NJEA members, their students, and their families. These include:
The NJEA PAC Operating Committee enthusiastically endorses Gov. Murphy’s re-nomination as the Democratic candidate in the 2021 primary due to his strong support for NJEA, our students, working families, public education, and organized labor. Despite the challenges imposed by the global pandemic, NJEA PAC maintained their standards and practices for endorsements. The NJEA members and officers who interviewed Gov. Murphy for the endorsement screening were: Marie Blistan, Chair Sean Spiller Steve Beatty Ken Buck Tina Dare Mecheline Farhart Sue Maurer Christine Sampson Clark Laurie Schorno Kim Scott Ryan Strothers In accordance with Ch. 4 Section II, B of the NJEA PAC Guidelines, each county education association was invited to send observers to the screening meeting. The following observers attended: Atlantic: Barbara Rheault and Melissa Tomlinson Bergen: Debra Kwapniewski and Sue McBride Burlington: Christine Hewitt and Anthony Rizzo Camden: Danielle Clark and Larry Zahn Cape May: Stacey Salerno and Walter Johnson Cumberland: Mildred Johnson and Temika Langston-Myers Essex: Jennifer Bailey and Anthony Rosamilia Gloucester: Sue Clark and Ryan Griffin Hudson: Andrea Pastore and Roseanne Versaci Hunterdon: Sue Vala and Carol Roche Mercer: Grace Rarich and Carl Romero Middlesex: Christopher Finnegan and Lois Yukna Monmouth: Chris Collins and Denise King Morris: Brian Adams and Bill Cole Ocean: Josh Eckersley and Sue Morgan Passaic: Sue Butterfield and Tara Temprano Salem: Colleen Gilmartin and Sue Maniglia Somerset: Theresa Fuller and Henry Goodhue Sussex: Sue Sawey and Vicki Smith Union: Nancy Lucas-Miller and Lisa Palin Warren: Valerie Reynolds Non-Classroom: No observers attended Higher Ed: Peter Helff Pre-service: Kim Cacciato and Emma Murphy Retired: Judy Perkins and Joan Wright ESP: Angela Lawler and Carol Roche
The New Jersey Education Association represents more than 200,000 teachers, certificated staff, educational support professionals, and retired members. NJEA’s mission is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of public education for all students. |
I’m shocked! Shocked! What a joke!