Madden's GOP opponent drops out
By Wally EdgeDemocrat Fred Madden unseated an incumbent Republican State Senator four years ago by just 64 votes after the Camden County Democrats spend nearly $5 million on his campaign.
Now, Madden is unopposed in his bid for re-election to a second term. His Republican opponent, former Gloucester Township GOP Chairman John Jankowski, dropped out of the race on June 24, and so far, no new challenger her emerged.
Jankowski sent his notice of withdrawal to Camden County Clerk James Beach, whose office confirms they received it on June 29. But technically, Jankowski remains on the ballot, since his letter should have gone to the state Division of Elections.
A representative of the elections office told PoliticsNJ.com that while they are aware of Jankowski’s withdrawal, they have not yet received his signed letter.
Beach is the Camden County Democratic Chairman.
Republicans in Camden and Gloucester counties had a hard time recruiting candidates earlier this year. Gloucester Township Councilman Daniel Hutchison considered a Senate bid, but decided he liked Madden too much to run to run against him. In May, Hutchison switched his party registration for Republican to Democrat. Former State Sen. George Geist, who lost to Madden, was asked to run by leaders of some public employee unions, but he declined. Later, Governor Jon Corzine reappointed him to serve as a state Administrative Law Judge.
Today, Gloucester Township GOP Municipal Chairman Frank Mellace announced that he was resigning, switching parties, and endorsing the entire Democratic slate.
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Tough Times for Local Republicans
This day was one to regret for area Republicans; besides the Mellace/Klingsberg switch, Madden's opponent dropped out of the senate race. It speaks to Madden's attributes and political acumen that this former FBI trainee and Lt. Colonel in the state police is too well liked to have top tier Republicans run against him, though after today the pickings are especially slim. One can say in a somewhat objective manner that Jankowski already had very little chance to win this election, and his dropping out of the election -- even if he remains on the ballot, it doesn't seem he'll campaign at all -- only solidifies this seat as a safe Dem one in November.
Winner: Madden Losers: Mellace, Klingberg & Hutchison
What a devestating loss to the Republican Party! I cannot believe nor understand how such powerhouses would ever consider changing party affiliations. Two big lossers who couldn't win their voting districts during a simple primary election. What a loss! How about fundraising? Two commiteepeople who couldn't buy or sell four tickets between themselves. What an asset they'll be to the their new loyal friends; any comp tickets laying around? Maybe "Danny Boy" Hutchison had to bail them out again. Now they can be legendary leaders in their own minds.
Hey 1234567899999999
Does your mommy know you spend all this time on the computer saying things you know nothing about nor old enough to speak from authority or experience on such matters?
I didn't think so... No need to reply I won't be reading them any more.