Photo Attribution: Images from The Trentonian, https://www.trentonian.com/2023/02/06/a-progressive-perspective-an-update-on-hughes-vs-benson-race

ORTM Hosts Mercer County Executive Candidate Forum, ahead of 3/5 Democratic Convention

WHO: Our Revolution Trenton Mercer, County Executive Brian Hughes, Asm. Dan Benson

WHAT: Mercer County Executive Candidate Forum, ahead of March 5th Convention

WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 7 P.M. EST

WHERE: Zoom – register here: https://bit.ly/ORTMMeeting | Press: email ORTrentonMercer@gmail.com for link

Also streamed to ORTM’s Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/OurRevNJ

MERCER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY –  On Thursday, February 16th at 7:00 P.M, Our Revolution Trenton Mercer (ORTM) will host a Candidate Forum for Mercer County Executive Candidates. Both the incumbent, Brian Hughes, and challenger, Dan Benson, have confirmed attendance. Both are seeking ORTM’s endorsement. The public is encouraged to attend this forum and learn about the candidates.

The forum will take place during ORTM’s monthly meeting, held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month via Zoom. It will also be streamed to ORTM’s Facebook Page. You can register at https://bit.ly/ORTMMeeting. Registrants will be emailed a Zoom link. Press may request the Zoom link by email if they prefer.

This event is planned ahead of the March 5th Mercer County Democratic Convention, where primary election ballot positioning on the County Ballot Line will be awarded. If either candidate receives 60% of the convention vote, they will be the only candidate placed on The Line. If neither candidate receives 60%, both will be placed on The Line; the candidate receiving a majority vote would then be listed above the second place finisher, with the party slogan underneath only their name.

Exclusive ballot placement on The Line may turn out to be decisive. Research has shown placement on the County Ballot awards an advantage of about 35% of the vote. Furthermore, no New Jersey candidate for federal office has won a primary election without The Line in over 50 years. Thus, the convention’s endorsement and resulting placement on The Line, will likely decide this election. There are 120,372 registered Democrats in Mercer County, compared to approximately 500 convention delegates.

ORTM will complete its process and announce any endorsement by February 24th.

The Mercer County Democratic Endorsement Convention will be held on Sunday, March 5 at the Hyatt Regency hotel, at 102 Carnegie Center Drive, West Windsor (off Route 1 North). Convention registration will begin at 2 PM, and will be gaveled to order at 2:45 PM. The public is encouraged to attend. Only elected officials and county committee members are eligible to vote.

QUOTE:

“This election for Mercer County Executive provides a pivotal point for Mercer residents, and a chance to generate new ideas and proposals. Mercer is ripe for progressive projects and outreach that we haven’t seen before. No matter who wins, this dialogue is necessary for the strength of the Democratic Party and to energize its base. But we must first challenge our candidates,their progressive bona fides, and their desire to improve the lives of working-class families in our County. Our Revolution Trenton Mercer is proud to be a medium for such discussions.” -Brady Rivera, Chair of ORTM