General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsNJ-02: In New Jersey, a Kennedy's running against the Democratic machine
A member of the Democratic Partys most prominent political dynasty is running for office in New Jersey, but in an altogether unfamiliar position as an outsider.
Amy Kennedy, a former teacher who grew up in southern New Jersey and is married to former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), announced her campaign for Congress in New Jerseys 2nd District in January, shortly after Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) switched parties from Democrat to Republican.
By then, however, South Jerseys powerful Democratic machine thats run by power broker George Norcross the same operation that built Van Drews career and propelled him to Congress as a Democrat in 2018 had settled on political science professor Brigid Harrison as its favored candidate.
So now, a Kennedy is the underdog who has taken on the mantle of challenging an entrenched political machine in a sprawling swing district that stretches from Atlantic City westward to the Delaware River, and which POLITICO rates as lean Republican.
A Harrison win in the July 7 Democratic primary would reinforce the power of the Norcross machine, showing it hasnt been dinged by increasingly active and agitated progressives. On the other hand, a Kennedy victory would be a morale boost to the anti-Norcross activists who so far have had trouble getting their local candidates onto the ballot, let alone backing a winning candidate for Congress.
https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2020/05/12/in-new-jersey-a-kennedys-running-against-the-democratic-machine-1283527
druidity33
(6,446 posts)what with RFK Jr being an anti-vaxxer asshole, and Joe Kennedy trying to take a Senate seat away from a REAL PROGRESSIVE in Senator Markey...If it wasn't for the fact that her opponent is the odious Jeff Van Drew I would donate to her opponent.
Ugh.
ananda
(28,876 posts)I wouldnt not vote for Amy Kennedy in this case..
It sounds like that area needs some new blood..
She's probably fine. And i would never donate to an R... But Robert Jr and Joe are real pieces of work if you know what i mean.
abqtommy
(14,118 posts)empedocles
(15,751 posts)holding the Dem seat, I say support her. We need all the help we can get.
[I share the concern for Markey, he can hold the Dem seat].