ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – Everyone knows New Jersey is one of the bluest states in America, but on Thursday, that point was driven home even more as the only two Republican Congressmen in the state were noticeably absent on the endorsement of the State of Texas’ lawsuit aimed to overturn the contested 2020 Presidential election.
In total, 106 Republican congressmen signed the brief in support of the lawsuit, but Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJCD-4) did not sign the measure in support of President Donald J. Trump. (Note earlier post said Congress Jeff Van Drew did not sign, he did).
“This brief amicus curiae presents the concern of amici as Members of Congress, shared by untold millions of their constituents, that the unconstitutional irregularities involved in the 2020 presidential election cast doubt upon its outcome and the integrity of the American system of elections. Amici respectfully aver that the broad scope and impact of the various irregularities in the Defendant states necessitate careful and timely review by this court,” the brief reads. “On the merits, this amicus brief defends the constitutional authority of state legislatures as the only bodies duly authorized to establish the manner by which presidential electors are appointed, one of the central issues in the pending litigation. As members of the federal legislature, these amici seek to protect the constitutional role of state legislatures in determining the manner by which states choose their electors.”
Internal Republican opposition to the Texas lawsuit was evident within the party as another Congressman who did not sign the brief, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Tex.) said the action, “represents a dangerous violation of federalism and sets a precedent to have one state asking federal courts to police the voting procedures of other states.”
Neither New Jersey Congressmen gave a reason for not signing. No statements were made on their Facebook pages. In fact, the last time Smith made a social media post on Facebook to his constituents was back in July.
New Jersey Republicans haven’t been a friend to President Trump over the years. Jack Ciattarelli, a former state representative now running for governor once called Trump a charlatan who was unfit to be President. Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno lost her race for governor in 2017 by turning off Trump supporters when she said she would not vote for Trump. Former New Jersey Governor Christie Todd Whitman is an avid never-Trumper.