Dem Candidates Say Incumbents Failed the Middle Class

In a campaign kickoff Tuesday night, Monmouth County Democrats and their three candidates for the newly-mapped District 11 state senate and assembly seats delivered a message they hope will give them an edge in the upcoming election: we promise to deliver where Republicans in Trenton have failed.

At Democratic headquarters on Front Street in Red Bank, State Senate Candidate Ray Santiago, flanked by Assembly candidates Vin Gopal and Kathy Horgan, said incumbent Republicans have failed to represent the best interests of the county’s voters. Increased taxes on the middle class have made it hard for families living here, he said, and overbearing regulations have made it hard for business to be done here.

Santiago, a first-time candidate and Freehold Township resident and lawyer who owns his own practice, said the concepts of lower taxes and fewer regulations for business owners aren’t exclusive to the Republican Party, they’re just practical. And what’s more, he said, they’re what people need.

“I got involved in this race because I’m a business owner and a taxpayer who’s trying to raise a family along with my wife,” the 37-year-old said. “I’ve been telling voters every day: when you look at the last four years, have those in office done what they’re supposed to do? I say the answer to that question is no.

“If our adversaries had done their job, I wouldn’t be running,” he said.

Santiago is facing off against State Sen. Jennifer Beck, a Republican currently representing District 12. Beck, in her first term as a state senator, has also represented the district as a member of the assembly and was a two-term Red Bank council member. Caroline Casagrande joins Mary Pat Angelini in the 11th District and both are seeking second terms in the state assembly.

The three Democrats are first-timer candidates in state politics. Horgan, a two-term Red Bank councilwoman, was a late-entry into the race, replacing Asbury Park restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach, who withdrew in September to tend to several of her businesses that were damaged by Hurricane Irene. Gopal, a Long Branch resident and small business owner, is just 26 years old.

Though short on political experience, all three candidates believe they have the kind of life experience that will not only appeal to district voters, but also help set New Jersey in the right direction.

“What we have is a system that’s broken,” Gopal, who stressed the need for job creation in the state, said. “As a small business owner I feel I can bring something to the table that (the Republicans) cannot. I have 16 employees at my businesses; I have to make payroll every week and it’s getting tougher and tougher. There have been months when I haven't taken a paycheck. I get more and more frustrated seeing the middle class continually ignored.

“We’re going to bring a different set of perspectives here.”

Gopal also said he and his fellow candidates will not accept health or pension benefits if elected.

Along with an economy that has failed to right itself under current leadership, the Democrats may have another advantage this election season. With the redistricting of the area, a change some call gerrymandering, one being , the new district includes towns like Ocean Grove and Asbury Park, two areas with significant and vocal LGBT communities. Democratic candidates are promoting exclusivity and pointing out that , though she recently reversed herself on the issue. 

All three Democrats said gay marriage is a civil rights issue, one they unequivocally support.

Santiago said. “I have always been – always will be – in favor of having protections and rights extended to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Horgan, who works for amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, blamed the incumbents for cutting millions of dollars in funding to health care-related programs, specifically programs for women. Cuts to organizations providing preventative care not only hurt the women who can no longer utilize them, but put the burden on the state to pay for care further down the road.

“As a woman I’m concerned about women’s health issues. When I look at the republicans I see women who have supported these cuts,” the 66-year old said. “Our most vulnerable citizens, these are the ones you’re impacting.”

The three Democratic candidates said they have embarked on a grassroots effort, going door to door in many towns to introduce themselves and their ideas.

“We know we are the better candidates,” Santiago said. “I have no doubt in my mind that the voters will vote in our favor.”