Van Drew, Andrzejczak Announce Running Mate for First District Election

VINELAND – State Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) and State Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) held a reception in a packed event room at the Hampton Inn March 10. Over 200 Democratic Party supporters and party loyalists awaited the announcement of this partnership’s running mate for the upcoming election in November for First District representation. The First District comprises Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland counties. “We reached out through Facebook, Twitter and word of mouth primarily and I’m so thrilled with the incredible turn out,” said Van Drew.
To kick off the evening, Van Drew first introduced Andrzejczak as a hero from the war in Iraq and a “special kind of man in light of his service to our country and sacrifice through his battle-related injuries.”
Andrzejczak took the podium and said it has been an honor to serve the people of the First District for the two years since he was elected. “I’ve fought as hard for you as I did in Iraq and we’ll be fighting shoulder to shoulder in November to bring about another win,” Andrzejczak said. “Whether it’s fighting against a big increase in the gas tax or fighting for more health care for our veterans, I will always stand up and be counted!”
Van Drew then stepped up to the podium again to announce that the Assembly team to stand for re-election in November for the First District will include two combat veterans, both Andrzejczak and new candidate, former Army Sgt. Bruce Land of Vineland.
Van Drew read a U.S. Government citation for “heroism with ground operations in Vietnam when Sgt. Land distinguished himself on March 14 1971 … He repeatedly subjected himself to the intense hostile fire to effectively strengthen his platoon’s position. His actions were instrumental in saving the lives of his men. Sgt. Land’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.”
With this announcement, explained Van Drew, the team’s two veterans between them have three Bronze Stars including one Bronze Star with Valor, one Purple Heart and one Soldier’s Medal.
According to Van Drew’s introduction of Land, he is “extremely involved in the community having coached youth sports in Vineland throughout the year including Little League, basketball, soccer and CYO basketball. Land is a retired captain for the New Jersey Department of Corrections and now also serves as a mentor with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem County.
“I know law enforcement and the military are very different from politics. But I also know that in order to get something meaningful from any endeavor, you must put your best into it. I will give this everything I have,” emphasized Land.
Van Drew summed up the evening by noting, “What a special Assembly team. Two different men. Two different generations. Two different wars. Two heroes. And they are also two winners!”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.