RIO GRANDE – Nov. 5 was a good night for the Democrats in Cape May County. The party faithful had gathered to receive election results at Rio Station Restaurant and Bar. From the start of the evening the air was brimming with optimism.
Even the 8:02 p.m. call of a Gov. Chris Christie landslide did not dampen spirits. In fact, many in the room expressed pleasure at the governor’s re-election stating that they had split their tickets to vote for Christie, a member of the other party. But when it came to local offices the crowd was entirely partisan.
The first cheering came when it was announced that candidate for Middle Township Committee Michael Clark had defeated opponent Melanie Collins by a wide margin. When Collins conceded at 9:21 p.m., Mayor Daniel Lockwood called to congratulate Clark.
Clark said “work begins tomorrow” for the people of Middle Township. Someone then yelled “Mike Donohue is history!” drawing massive cheers.
An earlier report attributed that statement to Jeff DeVico, Clark’s campaign manager. He told the Herald Nov. 8 that statement was not made by him. Further, DeVico stated he and Donohue are long-time friends who hold different political views. “I don’t agree with that statement. It’s about our county and our future,” DeVico said.
Donohue is the Republican chairman in Cape May County and brother of Middle Township Deputy Mayor Timothy Donohue. Members of the assembled then began buzzing that DeVico would be the next Democrat to challenge the Republican majority on Middle Township’s Committee.
James Pickering Jr., chairman of county Democrats, bounced in looking pleased and announced, “We have taken back Dennis.” He was referring to Dennis Township where Democrats John Murphy and Brian O’Connor had retaken the seats lost to Republicans four years ago.
The crowd along with WOND radio personality Jim McMillan and a TV news crew awaited the arrival of the Democrats’ leading star Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) who was running late. He arrived with newcomer Robert Andrzejczak, the young assemblyman around 9:30 p.m.
Andrzejczak, decorated former Army sergeant and amputee, had the look of a child on Christmas morning. It was a contrast to many seasoned, hardboiled professional politicians surrounding him. “This is my first go round at it,” he told the rapt crowd, “and I’m lovin’ it.” Andrzejczak said he was proud to serve his country in the Army and “this is a different way of serving.” He said he was honored and would give it his all as he had done in battle.
With that Van Drew thanked everyone for their tremendous effort and gave special thanks to his campaign manager Allison Murphy who was hurrying him out the door. Van Drew explained they were on their way to Vineland to monitor Cumberland County returns. He also noted that the team had pulled votes not just from the party faithful but from Republicans as well and vowed to continue to reach across the aisle, much as Christie did.
The evening did not turn out so well for their running mate Assemblyman Nelson Albano who was trailing throughout the night and ultimately lost to Samuel Fiocchi, a Republican freeholder from Vineland.
But with the exception of that dark spot, the Democrats rejoiced in their local successes and promised to move on to still more victories in the future. As Todd Alexis, son of campaign strategist James Alexis was heard to say, “This can only get better.”
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.
For list of election results, go to:
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/politicselections/96230-vote+nov.+5+general+election+polling+locations+open+6am8pm
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
