McCann shares vision, throws elbows in NJ-05 campaign launch

McCann with Sheriff Mike Strada (rear right)

Buoyed by approximately 200 supporters, former Cresskill Councilman John McCann kicked off his campaign for NJ.-5 this Saturday morning at the Paramus VFW.

“I am working to protect the American Dream for people who work hard and play by the rules to help create jobs and opportunity for all Americans and to safeguard the freedoms that are under attack by liberal politicians in Washington,” said McCann to his audience.

Speakers appearing in support of McCann included Paramus Councilman-Elect Chris Di Piazza, who called McCann a “friend and mentor,” Cresskill Mayor Ben Romeo who discussed his time serving with McCann on local council, Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz, NJYRF Chairman Carlo Ghione, former Hackensack Mayor Mike Melfi, Ramsey Mayor Dierdre Dillon, and Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada.

Sheriff Strada addresses McCann supporters.

McCann touched on a number of topics in his own remarks including illegal immigration and fiscal responsibility; the Republican hopeful also discussed the need for a Congressman who shares “Jersey Values,” calling out by name his Democrat opponent, incumbent Josh Gottheimer. 

He also reportedly took a thinly veiled shot at primary opponent Steve Lonegan, citing the conservative activist and former Bogota Mayor’s tough public position on illegal immigration contrasted with Lonegan’s alleged past hiring of illegal immigrant laborers as an example of unhelpful “hypocrisy.”

Other attending dignitaries of note:

BCRO Chairman Paul DiGaetano
Sussex GOP Chairman Jerry Scanlan
Former NJGOP Chair Ginny Littell
Former Garrett District Director Rob Pettet
Former Freeholder/Mahwah Councilman Rob Hermansen
Former Freeholder John Driscoll
NJ Teenage Republican Chairman Kenny Gonzalez
Paramus Councilwoman Jeanne Weber
Former Dumont Mayor Don Winant
Emerson Councilwoman Danielle DiPaola
Former Harrington Park Councilwoman Michelle Ryan
Hasbrouck Heights Mayor Jack DeLorenzo
Ringwood Councilwoman Jayme Landis
Oakland Councilman Russell Talamini
Oakland Councilman-Elect Pat Pignatelli
Former Park Ridge Councilman Steve Hopper
Ramsey Councilman Joe Verdone
Ramsey Councilman-Elect Mike Guttwetter
Ramsey Councilman Harry Weber
Rochelle Park Mayor Frank Valenzuela
Franklin Councilman Steven Skellenger

McCann’s current field of likely primary opponents includes Warren County Freeholder Jason Sarnowski as well as Lonegan (who recently qualified for the NRCC’s ‘Young Guns’ program).

The Staff
About The Staff 2901 Articles
SaveJersey.com's Network of Contributors keeps you up-to-date on everything worth knowing in the Garden State. You're welcome!

1 Trackback / Pingback

  1. Cardinale endorses Lonegan in NJ-05 »

Comments are closed.