TRENTON, NJ – A bad idea by New Jersey GOP Chairman Bob Hugin was unanimously defeated by the New Jersey GOP Committee Tuesday night.
Hugin had suggested that the state GOP cancel plans for the public primary election in 2024, instead allowing only selected delegates to vote for which Republican would be on the ballot next November against President Joe Biden.
The state committee rejected Hugin’s proposal 34-0. Another crucial vote that passed last night was a ‘winner takes all’ result. This means whoever wins the most counties will be on the ballot in every county.
This will avoid different counties having different lines for President on the primary ballot.
The plan announced on Monday was highly controversial and many accused the New Jersey GOP of attempting to disenfranchise Republican voters.
Critics of the idea worried that Hugin’s plan could have negative consequences in this year’s crucial state assembly and senate elections.
Republicans, hoping for key victories in the New Jersey midterms felt the move would could cause voter apathy in this year’s election as frustrated Republicans would strike back.
“If they don’t want my vote next year when I want it, why would I vote this year, when they want it?” one commenter said today. “It works both ways. If you want a top-down process, then good luck in November.”