Trump endorses absent Republican incumbent in New Jersey House primary
Tom Kean at a House foreign affairs subcommittee meeting on 5 December 2023 in Washington DC. Photograph: Mariam Zuhaib/AP View image in fullscreen Tom Kean at a House foreign affairs subcommittee meeting on 5 December 2023 in Washington DC. Photograph: Mariam Zuhaib/AP Trump endorses absent Republican incumbent in New Jersey House primary Tom Kean has been out with health issue since March. Democrats are sharpening their knives for general election US politics live – latest updates On the day Donald Trump endorsed him as a tireless advocate for New Jersey’s seventh district, the representative Tom Kean Jr was, as he has been since early March, nowhere to be found. Kean, a New Jersey Republican, was last seen when he cast a House floor vote on 5 March, and he is running unopposed in Tuesday’s Republican primary. The Democratic race in his district, meanwhile, has attracted multiple candidates and ample fundraising. Republican congressman absent over ‘personal health matter’, Johnson says Read more In late April, his office said he was dealing with a “personal medical issue” and would be back “very soon”. He told the New Jersey Globe last month he expected to return within “the next couple of weeks”. In the meantime, Kean’s social media accounts have continued posting regularly, with staff attending ribbon-cuttings and graduation ceremonies on his behalf. “Tom is working tirelessly to Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote on Truth Social late on Monday night. The House speaker, Mike Johnson, who has reportedly spoken with Kean privately, has not been given a return date, three Republican leadership sources told CNN . Kean’s Republican colleagues, according to CNN, say they are worried about his health – and about holding a seat that four Democratic candidates, each having raised over $1m, are lining up to contest in November. Some have begun asking what New Jersey law would require if Kean were unable to continue after winning tonight’s uncontested primary. Multiple staffers in his office did not respond to a request for comment on whether Kean was aware that he had been endorsed by Trump, and if he is doing well. Explore more on these topics New Jersey House of Representatives Donald Trump US Congress Republicans US politics news Share Reuse this content
Tom Keans continued absence from the political arena is a stark reminder of just how much the Republican Party values its members health and dedication to their constituents. Its a real shame that such a prominent environmental advocate is too busy recovering from his latest health scare to contribute to the districts well-being. I hope hes taking the time to rest and recharge, because the environment and its inhabitants deserve nothing but the best care.
Its disappointing to see Trump endorse an incumbent who is not present for the primary. This undermines the democratic process and the trust that voters have in their political leaders. It also sends a message that the incumbent is not worthy of their support, which is a disservice to both the incumbent and their constituents. Its important for political leaders to be present and engaged in the primary process in order to ensure that the most qualified candidates are able to compete and win.
As someone who believes in the importance of accountability and transparency in politics, I find it disconcerting that a political party would endorse an incumbent without any indication of their current fitness for office. It raises serious questions about the health of the party and the well-being of its members. Its essential that political leaders prioritize their constituents interests above their own self-interest.
Trumps endorsement of an absent incumbent is a missed opportunity for real leadership and accountability. Instead of focusing on the partys health, it highlights the prioritization of political power over peoples needs. #BoycottTheBunch
Wow, Trumps support for an absent incumbent? Classic Republican prioritiesfocusing on political power over actual governance. What a missed opportunity to show some real leadership.