Codey saw his district become more competitive after April's legislative redistricting
State Sen. Richard Codey, left, jokes with Gov. Chris Christie, right, in this 2010 file photo. Codey today endorsed 10 Republicans from his legislative district as the 2011 elections draw near.TRENTON — Democratic State Sen. Richard Codey, who finds himself running for reelection in an relatively unfamiliar district, announced the endorsement by 10 Republicans from his district today.
"These Republican officials endorsing me today know that when you are in office you must put party labels aside and put the people first,” Codey (D-Essex) said in a statement.
Codey, a former governor and the longest serving current member of the Legislature, saw his district become somewhat more competitive after redistricting in April. with the addition of several towns from Republican-dominated Morris County. His opponent is tea party Republican William Eames.
Current elected officials among the Republicans who endorsed Codey include Hanover Mayor John Sheridan, Florham Park Mayor Scott Eveland and Essex Fells Mayor Ed Abbot.
Republican Chatham Township Committeeman William O’Connor endorsed Codey even though his town’s mayor, Nicole Hagner, is running for Assembly on Eames’ ticket.
The Republicans endorsed Codey but not his running mates, Assembly members John McKeon (D-Essex) and Mila Jasey (D-Essex).
The announcement is the second cross-partisan endorsement of the week. About 30 miles south of Codey’s district, the Democratic mayor of East Brunswick, David Stahl, endorsed Republican Marcia Silva for Assembly.
“Simply put, I think some career politicians in Washington and Trenton just don’t get it. This election year, however, I believe there is a candidate for the Assembly who actually gets it, and that’s why I am supporting Marcia Silva for the Assembly in the 18th District.”
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