Howarth Leaves Ticket to Battle Crohn’s Disease

Joe Howarth

By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog

Joe Howarth
Joe Howarth

Not great news to start the weekend, Save Jerseyans.

Joe Howarth, an incumbent GOP freeholder in Burlington County, is dropping from the party’s 2014 ticket due to complications encountered in his ongoing battle with Crohn’s Disease.

Freeholder Howarth released a letter through the county GOP organization on Friday afternoon.

“A worsening of the condition required me to undergo surgery this week,” Howarth, known for his intense brand of retail politics, explained to the reader. “While my long-term prognosis is good, recuperation from the procedure will make it impossible for me to hit the campaign trail with the same passion and energy that have been hallmarks of my past successful campaigns for Evesham Township School Board, Evesham Township Council and County Freeholder.”

The political implications are what they are… significant. Potentially, though not likely.

Former Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien, an attorney from Medford, will step in to take his place on the November ticket in what is expected to be a hotly contested control race which, notwithstanding the county’s rough demographics in terms of party affiliation, nevertheless favors the Republican ticket. Burlington is obviously key to the NJ-03 race, too, since the Democrat nominee (Aimee Belgard) is a sitting freeholder. An open seat may trigger more Democrat activity (Mayor Fulop’s already skulking around, according to published reports). I don’t anticipate a different result given the nature of the cycle.

For now, Freeholder Howarth also says he plans to remain on the Freeholder Board and serve out hid full-term.

Joe is a good friend of this site and this blogger, Save Jerseyans, so we’re all wishing him the absolute best of luck as he navigates this difficult passage. He’s as tough as he is lovable so we’re thoroughly optimistic! 

 

Matt Rooney
About Matt Rooney 8403 Articles
MATT ROONEY is SaveJersey.com's founder and editor-in-chief, a practicing New Jersey attorney, and the host of 'The Matt Rooney Show' on 1210 WPHT every Sunday evening from 7-10PM EST.

9 Comments

  1. I wish Joe all the best. Hopefully he finds health and happiness in whatever his future holds!

  2. As a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, I have often disagreed with his votes, but have found him to be a caring gentleman and a mensch. I wish him the best for a speedy and complete recovery.

  3. I’m so sorry my brother will not be able to remain on the GOP’s ticket for this year. He is an upstanding citizen of Burlington County and cares so much for people in general and wants whats best for the County and for the State of New Jersey. Both he and I battle Crohn’s Disease, but this disease cannot get the better of us. Get well soon brother! Love you!

  4. Sorry to see the gentleman depart the ticket. Without having published their by-laws, the Party is ineligible to substitute – they had best get the by-laws published.

  5. Wow, Joe- I am so sorry to read this news. I will be praying for you as you battle Crohn’s! Praying for your sister, Alice too- you WILL both win this battle, a win far more important to win then Freeholder! with love and prayers, your cousin, Jill OXOX

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