Running for Congress in the 2nd District, businessman David Richter responded to a statement U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-2) made to InsiderNJ on Friday.

“It’s disappointing Jeff Van Drew’s first public comments about me were personal attacks, but they mirror the panicked fundraising emails he’s been sending out since I got in the race,” Richter said in a statement. “It’s clear he’s worried. He knows I am the only Republican in the race that has a track record of success and the fundraising ability to beat him.  I also have the right message, which is this: after nearly 20 years in Trenton as part of a Democratic majority in the legislature, what has Van Drew really accomplished?  Why is South Jersey’s economy weaker, its taxes higher, and its infrastructure investment still virtually non-existent?  From my vantage point, the only thing Van Drew has ever done well is get re-elected.  He wins but the people lose.  That’s going to change in 2020.  The Republican resurgence is going to start with Mike Testa winning Van Drew’s old seat in November and continue with me taking his current seat next November.

“As for me, since Van Drew never bothered to ask, here is the truth: I grew up in South Jersey and went to school here, unlike him,” Richter added. “I have lived or worked most of my life in South Jersey, my parents owned a home in the Second District for nearly 20 years and I have spent almost every summer of my life at the Jersey Shore within the district.  For the past ten years my wife and I have brought our four daughters to Avalon during the summer and we have long planned to live here regardless of what happens with this campaign.  If he wants to have a debate about who has deeper roots in South Jersey, I am glad to have it.  That said, what I believe voters really want is the best Congressman to help them improve their lives, and in that case, this race is no contest.”