Hanlon urges GOP turnout in Morris

Democrats are leading by approximately 27,000 votes in the congressional race for District 7, a gap New Jersey Republican chair Christine Hanlon wants to close by Tuesday.

Hanlon addressed a Get Out The Vote breakfast hosted by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi on Sunday morning at the Knoll Country Club. The event focused on mobilizing Republican voters in the week leading up to the general election.

Hanlon argued that the current Democratic base is motivated by a desire to change the nation's direction. She stated that Democrats aim to tear up the Constitution and that Republicans must meet and exceed their enthusiasm to win. She criticized the Democratic Party for moving far to the left, noting that candidates appear to be following that shift.

The speech included specific critiques of three Democratic congressional candidates. Hanlon pointed out that Adam Hamawy in District 12 provided courtroom testimony for a man accused in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. She noted that Rebecca Bennett in District 7 said she no longer wanted to attend a church that included Trump voters, a claim Bennett has said lacks context. The crowd booed as Hanlon discussed Analilia Mejia in District 11, criticizing her support for Medicare for All and a $25 per hour minimum wage.

Several political figures attended the gathering in Morristown. Joe Hathaway, the Republican running against Mejia, was present in the room. Tayfun Selen, who is seeking reelection as a Morris County Commissioner, also attended. The presence of Mikie Sherrill in Morristown on Saturday for Democratic candidate Chris Russo underscored the importance of the local commissioner race.

Hanlon described Morris County as one of the state's premier areas, attributing its status to Republican governance. She countered Democratic claims of an unaffordable state by noting that Democrats currently control Trenton and make those decisions.

Grossi acknowledged that Democrats have a machine for early voting but said Republicans can compete with high turnout on election day. She urged attendees to come out more than ever to secure a victory.