Today South Jersey Democratic leaders in each of the counties representing New Jersey’s Second Congressional District — Michael Suleiman, Atlantic County Democratic Chairman; Brendan Sciarra, Cape May County Democratic Chairman; Steven Errickson, Cumberland County Democratic Chairman; Steve Caltabiano, Salem County Democratic Chairman; Senator Fred Madden, Gloucester County Democratic Chairman; Senator Jim Beach, Camden County Democratic Chairman; Joseph Andl, Burlington County Democratic Chairman; and Wyatt Earp, Ocean County Democratic Chairman — issued the following joint statement:

“Let’s not mince words. Congressman Jeff Van Drew must return contributions he received since his “NO” vote on President Trump’s impeachment inquiry since he was capitalizing on his relationships with Democrats while planning all along to switch parties.

Just yesterday as speculation swirled about his intentions, Van Drew had the gall to send out a campaign fundraising solicitation featuring an event with Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Bob Menendez, and other key Democratic donors knowing he had just met with President Trump in the Oval Office to switch parties.

In recent weeks, Van Drew has talked out both sides of his mouth — telling many of us he wanted to remain a Democrat while pitching Republicans at the same time on a party switch. He wanted his cake and eat it too. Make no mistake about it, a clear field was never going to happen.

His refusal to do the right thing would only prove he’s nothing more than a Bernie Madoff-style con artist stealing other people’s money in a scheme to fill his campaign coffers.

Shameless Van Drew showed he lacked the courage to stand up for the American people and our U.S. Constitution when he officially became a Trump Republican.

It’s time for Van Drew to man up and do the right thing for once and return every dime he received since he sold us out.”