New Jersey Working Families State Director Sue Altman issued a statement this afternoon in response to reports about the imminent defection of U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew from the Democratic Party.



“This is a direct result of the South Jersey Democratic machine’s power- a machine that engineered Van Drew’s rise knowing his values were out of step with the party. Democratic boss and Mar-A-Lago member George Norcross groomed Van Drew from township committee to Freeholder to State Senate to Congress.

“Norcross was responsible for Van Drew’s ascent, and we should blame him for Van Drew’s defection to Trump as well. This is also a black eye for the DCCC and the County Party Chairs in South Jersey, who backed Van Drew against primary opponents who might have actually behaved like a Democrat.

“It’s clear that the Democratic establishment can’t deliver the leadership South Jersey needs. Fortunately, there’s a growing army of grassroots activists ready to roll up their sleeves and take back New Jersey from the Republicans and the Democrats who act like them.”