NJ's Largest Public Workers Union Backs Democrat Phil Murphy For Governor In 2017
by KYW's David Madden
NEWARK, NJ (CBS) -- New Jersey's largest public employees union is wasting no time in declaring its allegiance in next year's race to replace Governor Chris Christie.
Almost 11 months before the general election, and just under six before the party primaries, the Communications Workers of America is getting behind Democrat Phil Murphy, a Central Jersey businessman and former US Ambassador to Germany.
"Phil Murphy is the right person to take on what is going to be an incredibly difficult job," spokeswoman Hetty Rosenstein told KYW Newsradio, "and I think that he is the opposite of Chris Christie."
The CWA represents some 70 thousand workers in state and local governments across New Jersey.
Murphy has been lining up endorsements from party leaders and unions for the last couple months now, beating out announced primary opponents like Assemblyman John Wisniewski.
"We made an entire decision about who we think was going to be the most successful in the election and going to be most able to bring about the real change that our members and the people of New Jersey want," Rosenstein added.
She offered high praise for Wisniewski's record, but insists Murphy's just the better candidate this time.
Murphy has also been spending millions of dollars of his own money over the last few months to jump start his campaign.
Several people from both parties have either announced their candidacies or are expected to soon. Among them, the state's first Lieutenant Governor, Kim Guadagno. Christie is barred by law from seeking a third term.
