HCDO Chairwoman Amy DeGise Supports Senator Menendez’s Call for Open Presidential Primary in New Jersey

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairwoman Amy DeGise is releasing the following statement in support of Senator Bob Menendez’s call for an open presidential primary in New Jersey:

“The HCDO is committed to fully supporting the eventual Democratic nominee and we are hopeful that we will be able to work with all remaining candidates to engage Democratic voters in this primary. We believe that Senator Menendez’s proposal to maintain an open primary will best allow us to meet these goals, and we hope every presidential campaign will agree to these terms. Doing so will help ensure that no matter which candidate any particular Democratic voter prefers, we will be able to come together in the end to defeat President Trump.”

Here is Menendez’ initial statement on the matter:

MENENDEZ CALLS FOR SEPARATE BALLOT LINE FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

New Brunswick, NJ – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez released the following statement urging presidential primaries to be separated on the ballot from other state elections, beginning this June:

“We live in an increasingly polarizing country in which our national politics dominates media coverage and drives public discourse, but doesn’t necessarily reflect the concerns and priorities of New Jersey voters nor the needs and issues affecting our local communities.  Those running for public office in New Jersey should not be judged by what any presidential candidate says to lure voters in other states.  Likewise, a candidate for local, county or statewide office must be independently focused on addressing the unique needs of their constituents, instead of beholden to any national campaign.

“It is more important than ever that we take steps to insulate the presidential race from any undue influence on New Jersey’s other elections.  In the upcoming June Democratic primary, I would implore the county chairs to have a separate column for an open presidential primary, while allowing usual ballot bracketing for down ballot races from U.S. Senate and House races down to county and municipal government.”