Sherrill AWOL on Veterans Hours After Launching Gubernatorial Bid, Says Bergen

TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblyman Brian Bergen delivered a sharp condemnation of Rep. Mikie Sherrill, accusing her of betraying veterans just hours after launching her campaign for governor.

Bergen criticized Sherrill for missing the vote on the 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act to attend the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference to mingle with lobbyists and political insiders.

“Starting a statewide campaign by turning your back on veterans is disgraceful,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “If you’re going to tout your military service, you’d better back it up by standing up for those who served. Skipping critical votes on veterans’ health care to rub elbows with lobbyists is blatant hypocrisy, and New Jersey’s veterans deserve better.”

Sherrill, who has made her military service a central campaign theme, has already faced backlash for fabricating a story this week about her grandfather flying B-52 bombers.

“Using your military background as a campaign prop while ignoring veterans when it matters most shows exactly where her priorities lie – with political insiders, not the brave men and women who served our country,” Bergen said.

Bergen demanded Sherrill apologize to veterans and explain how she intends to make up for it.

“New Jersey’s veterans deserve leaders who fight for them, not politicians who exploit their service for votes and then fail to show up when it counts,” Bergen concluded. “Our heroes deserve better, and voters should hold her accountable.”