NJ-07: Becchi announces primary challenge to Kean on NJ 101.5 -

EWING, N.J. – Rosemary Becchi is running for Congress, announcing her long-expected decision on Bill Spadea’s N.J. 101.5 program on Tuesday morning.

Becchi will need to face-down state Senate GOP Leader Tom Kean Jr. – a popular party leader who’s already raised over half of a million dollars – in next June’s primary for the right to take on freshman Democrat Tom Malinowski for the 7th Congressional District seat held by Leonard Lance prior to the 2018 election.

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“I love this state, my neighbors and the people my family has surrounded ourselves with. But everyone I meet – whether I’m rushing to work, at the store or during my daughters’ hockey practices-are all worried whether they can afford to stay here, to grow old with their families and share a future together,” said Becchi in a statement announcing her run.

“The state is simply unaffordable, and the career politicians are a big part of the problem. They just point fingers and make excuses while building their political resumes. New Jersey families need an advocate; someone who wants to go to Washington to do something, not be something. I understand hard work and building consensus. I also understand it’s time to be heard. On behalf of New Jersey families I can make a difference,” Becchi added.

The GOP is bullish. A recent poll found Malinowski trailing an unnamed Republican (believed to be Kean) in the district by 2-points in a hypothetical match-up.

Becchi (of Short Hills) formed her exploratory committee back in April; she is a practicing tax attorney and a former tax counsel for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. She also leads a tax reform advocacy group called ‘Jersey First.’

The Central Jersey suburban district was carried by Hillary Clinton in 2018 by the slimmest of margins: 1-point. At least one Republican-tied group is already running an ad there attacking the incumbent.

Disclaimer: ‘Jersey First’ is an advertising sponsor of this website, but ‘Save Jersey’ is not affiliated in any way with the Becchi congressional campaign or effort.

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