endorsements

The Trenton Times today endorsed Republican Jennifer Beck for State Senate in the hotly contested 12th district race, saying she was "the more persistent voice in fighting for change."  Beck has also been endorsed by the Asbury Park Press and the Star-Ledger in her bid to unseat Democratic incumbent Ellen Karcher.

"Could Ms. Karcher have been more forceful in prying more reforms out of the Democratic-controlled Legislature? It's hard to say, but clearly this last session was full of half-measures and some outright failures," the editorial said.  READ

The Courier-Post endorsed one Assembly candidate -- Republican Jonathan Mangel -- in the heavily Democratic 5th district, and pointedly refused to endorse Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, State Senate candidate Dana Redd, and Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez.  They said the other GOP and independent candidates were not worthy of endorsement.  READ

The Press of Atlantic City has endorsed Republicans Norris Clark and Michael Donohue for State Assembly in the first district, passing over incumbent Nelson Albano. READ

The Press of Atlantic City has endorsed Democrat James Whelan for State Senator in the second district.  Whelan, a one-term Assemblyman and former Mayor of Atlantic City, is challenging GOP incumbent Sonny McCullough, who went to the Senate last February after William Gormley retired. 

The Courier-News has endorsed Republican Dan Brown for State Senate in the 18th district against Democratic State Sen. Barbara Buono. They have also endorsed Republican Assembly candidate William England over incumbent Patrick Diegnan, and recently elected Democratic Assemblyman Peter Barnes.

"As New Jersey voters consider their ballot options in November, they should begin by asking two questions about incumbent legislators: Are they part of the problem? And if not, can they be part of the solution?" the editorial asked. READ

The Press of Atlantic City has endorsed Democrat Jeff Van Drew in his bid to unseat Republican State Sen. Nicholas Asselta in the 1st district.  READ

The Press of Atlantic City has endorsed Republican Vince Polistina and Democrat Blondell Spellman for State Assembly in the hotly contested second district race. "Polistina is a fresh, welcome newcomer to the political scene whom we can endorse without reservation. With reservation ... Blondell Spellman is our second choice," the editorial said. READ