Dirty Campaigning in South Jersey

In New Jersey this election cycle, we have a few exciting Congressional campaigns. One such is Jon Runyan, the former Philadelphia Eagle (booo....GIANTS all the way. Sorry Jon, you rock, but not the Eagles.) who is running against freshman Congressman John Adler. The news that broke today in the 3rd was rather disturbing. Apparently, Jon Runyan's daughter and wife found a supporter of John Adler nosing around in Runyan's trees and bushes, around his house with a camera, looking for dirt and at the same time, scaring the bejesus out of Runyan's 8 year old daughter. A former Houston police officer, Runyan's wife handled the situation well, as she called authorities and followed the man back to Adler Headquarters. The campaign was caught red-handed and the moron in question, Fred Sampson, a 64 year old volunteer who is also a Social Worker when he isn't trespassing and fishing for dirt, was charged.

Adler has been criticized for his conduct in the campaign and seeing this play out in a state that knows dirty politics (remember Florio's and the Torricelli-Zimmer campaign in 1996), I am not surprised he would stoop to this level. John Adler, after his first term in Congress wants to stay in power and all 6'9" of Jon Runyan stands in his way. Knowing he cannot clearly articulate his position, Adler resorts to dirty tricks, in this case, sending a volunteer out on a fishing expedition that also involves breaking the law. Adler is showing voters of the 3rd that he will stop at nothing to hold the seat. Do we really want a leader who sends his minions to terrorize a family who has made every attempt to keep their privacy? I already believe Adler is likely to lose, but this incident cements it.

This incident also looks to the bigger issue of why many decide against public service. While those who wish to serve may have good intentions, their names may be dragged through the mud because they are opposing an incumbent, are considered a threat or are attempting to change the status quo of the "Ruling Class." These attacks may disrupt their lives and may hurt their families. We all know this well as we have witnessed the disgraceful treatment of Sarah Palin during the 2008 campaign. (And she is not one bit intimidated by these attacks!) We are now seeing the attacks and dirty tricks in New Jersey in the run up to the Midterm election, and with less than 50 days, I believe it will get crazier, so be prepared for a bumpy road.