May 28, 2008 - 4:24pm
Incoming Orange Mayor endorses Lautenberg
By Matt FriedmanOrange Mayor-Elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. endorsed Democratic incumbent Frank Lautenberg for reelection to the United States Senate today.
Hawkins, 28, said that he empathizes with Lautenberg, 84, on the age issue – even if he’s on the opposite end of the spectrum.
"In my campaign for Mayor, opponents tried to make an issue of my age, but the voters repudiated the argument, recognizing that chronological age is not a fair way to judge a candidate,” he said. Frank Lautenberg has demonstrated the wise judgment, commitment to New Jersey and robust good health to make it clear that he will serve us well in another term in the U.S. Senate.”
Hawkins just won the election for the seat just vacated by disgraced former Mayor/Assemblyman Mims Hackett, who pleaded guilty to attempted extortion in federal court yesterday. Lisa Perkins, a councilwoman, took over as acting mayor immediately after Hackett’s plea yesterday.
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Essex County Machine endorses Lautenberg
1061 votes in a community of 33,000 is not exactly a repudiation of the age issue as much as it is a demonstration of what power and money can accomplish.
It was the support and money from the Essex County Machine, not age, which was at issue in the Orange mayoral campaign. Mayor-elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. is a junior seniority West Orange cop with little experience in business or politics and with little personal stake in the City of Orange. The same Codey money and political clout that put Hawkins into office was used in the past to keep Mims Hackett installed as mayor.
The majority of Orange voters are willing to rally around young Hawkins and give him the benefit of the doubt because they desperately need a city government that will look out for their needs. They will continue to be skeptical, however, of Hawkins true loyalties and priorities. Assuming the air of a seasoned politician and mouthing the party line endorsement platitudes reinforces the perception of his being an empty suit party hack.
Therefore, it would be a good idea for Hawkins to show a little humility and recognize that, absent some demonstration of actual accomplishment, his endorsement means nothing.
Keep your eye on the problems of Orange, Jr., the citizens are counting on your full attention.