In Case You Missed It:  Allen, Griffin Endorsed by the Burlington County Times

Courtesy of Burlington County Times, October 30, 2007

7th District

Burlington County Times

The 7th District legislative race pits an intriguing mix of veteran lawmakers against some energetic and promising newcomers, offering the region's voters a diversity of views and experience that will work to everyone's advantage.

Democrats Herb Conaway and Jack Conners have had a lock on their Assembly seats for about a decade each.

Seasoned and well-schooled in the art of political wrangling, they know the ins and outs of Trenton, have walked the capital's hallways and understand its culture.

Challenging them are GOP political newcomers Nancy Griffin and Brian Propp, she a 27-year Air Force veteran and active reservist, he a former professional hockey player with the Philadelphia Flyers and current radio broadcaster for the team.

Of the four Assembly candidates, Conaway and Griffin are the most worthy of voters' support.

A doctor as well as an attorney, Conaway has worked to wrestle the state's budget woes into submission by seeking to end pension-padding and end the practice of double-dipping by office holders.

He is a Democrat who is not afraid to challenge his party's orthodoxy, a lawmaker who knows Burlington County inside and out.

Griffin is a civil-rights attorney who would add a welcome dimension to the local political horizon.

Her instincts about reining in spending and reforming state government are on the mark, and she brings to the district a needed energy and an outsider's perspective.

In the Senate race, Rich Dennison has faced an uphill battle in trying to unseat the popular Allen.

The attorney and funeral director from Florence brought to the effort a fresh new face and an untiring commitment, but in the end he was no real match against Allen's firm hold on the district.

If Dennison's bid for the Senate fails, we hope he won't disappear from the political landscape. The Democrats can use the kind of vigor he represents.

A GOP moderate with a reputation for honesty and superior constituent services, Allen is seeking her fourth term in the state Senate.

We'd like to see her win it.

The Edgewater Park resident casts an experienced eye on the state budget and is critical about Trenton's lack of fiscal responsibility.

Furthermore, she is all too aware that property taxes are soaring, and expresses frustration that affordable housing in New Jersey is as elusive as the Jersey Devil.

For the 7th District, The Burlington County Times recommends voters mark their ballots for Diane Allen, Herb Conaway and Nancy Griffin.

(www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/324-10302007-1432158.html)

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