Splitsville

Hudson Co. Dem Org. endorses Gill; Essex Co. Dem Cmte backs Payne.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 | 12:41 p.m.

The Hudson Co. Dem Org. April 2 endorsed state Sen. Nia Gill (D) for Congress.

HCDO chair Mark Smith: "I have to say that I was impressed with each of these potential candidates, however, Sen. Gill’s independence and admirable record of dedicated service made the choice clear. ...We have an opportunity to make history with the choices we make today. By sending Sen. Gill to Congress, we will be electing New Jersey’s first African American, Woman Representative with a proven record of performance.”

Hudson Co.'s move "spreads the contest three ways in as many counties." Earlier today, Essex Co. Dem Cmte chair Phil Thigpen said Essex would endorse Newark Council Pres. Donald Payne Jr.(D), giving him the advantage in a co. that possesses 57% of the district's voting members. Union Co. last week "opted for an open primary, preferring no single candidate in a field of four."

In formally announcing April 2, Gill "said she will fight to create jobs, to expand health care and education and to protect seniors and women’s rights as a member" of the House.

Gill: "At a time when Democratic core principles are under attack in Washington, New Jersey needs a representative who will be a strong voice for the people. The issues most pressing in the nation are the issues I’ve spent a lifetime fighting for. Too often the jobs that are available in these tough times are going to the best politically connected rather than the best qualified. I am the best qualified candidate."

More Gill: "The Republican Majority is trying to turn back the clock on women and rights won nearly four decades ago. They need to be stopped. If there are more women in Congress to speak up the Republicans would not be so emboldened. I’ve stood up to Republican Chris Christie, I’m not afraid of John Boehner. ...Women’s History Month ends on the calendar in March, but the chance to make history is on June 5th" (Pizarro, PolitickerNJ, 4/2).

Girl Power

State Sen. Sandra Cunningham (D) said April 2 "she intends to support" Gill for Congress.

Cunningham: "I am definitely endorsing her and I will be encouraging people to support her. She has excellent legislative skills. Nia has proven to me she that has a great deal of compassion; she is very articulate and she is consistently able to take her compassion and intelligence to create meaningful legislation. I believe she is savvy enough to handle herself in Washington, D.C."

Cunningham "said gender" and the state’s "absence" of women Reps. in Congress "provide additional motivation for her to support Gill." Cunningham: “A woman brings another perspective. As a woman she brings a great deal of honor" (Pizarro, PolitickerNJ, 4/2).