LAKEWOOD, NJ – The battle for Lakewood heated up this week after both Governor Phil Murphy and his opponent, Jack Ciattarelli both visited the highly coveted battleground. Ciattarelli was invited to the township by Lakewood Shopper editor Yankel Wenger and toured several locations along with New Jersey Senator Robert Singer and Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy.
Ciattarelli’s visit might amount to little more than a photo-op to encourage independent Lakewood voters to vote for him. The Lakewood Vaad, the religious community leaders of the growing city of Orthodox Jews is expected to announce a formal endorsement for Governor Phil Murphy as soon as this weekend.
Many residents of Lakewood benefit from Democrat-style social welfare programs favored by Murphy, some of which could be at risk under Ciattarelli’s tax reduction plan.
Statewide, Ciattarelli is polling 6-14 points behind Murphy in a series of independent polls.
Photos by Jack Ciattarelli campaign for New Jersey Governor/Facebook