Amy Kennedy For Congress Campaign Launches New TV Ad In Response to NRCC Ad

“Unlike Jeff Van Drew, I’ll never trade my South Jersey values to benefit myself.”

Brigantine, NJ- Today, the Amy Kennedy for Congress campaign launched a new television advertisement in response to the lies Jeff Van Drew and his allies are telling about Amy and her family.  The ad, entitled “Benefit,” talks about the fact that “Jeff and his allies are spreading lies to hide their own failed record… while they scare and pit the people of South Jersey against each other,” and calls it “…the worst kind of politics.”  Then Amy Kennedy clarifies in her own voice straight to camera, “I do not support defunding the police,” and concludes by assuring voters that, “unlike Jeff Van Drew, I’ll never trade my South Jersey values to benefit myself.”

Since the beginning of this race, Jeff Van Drew has repeatedly and intentionally mischaracterized Amy Kennedy’s position on numerous issues, including defunding the police.  Last night, both candidates participated in the Stockton University/NJTV Debate where Amy called out Van Drew for lying about her position. You can see the exchange here.

“I’ve been a member of law enforcement for over 42 years, and at a time of uncertainty it’s a police officer’s duty to keep communities safe. I know Amy Kennedy stands with our law enforcement officials and does not support defunding the police. I know she will be a leader that can bring everyone together to ensure we’re able to do our jobs,” said Cumberland Sheriff Robert Austino. “It’s disappointing to see leaders politicize such an important issue, but we know Amy will be a voice of reason and strength in Congress.”

“As a former state trooper, I know how important it is to have a leader like Amy, who can bring all voices to the table to ensure that our communities are safe for everyone,” said retired state trooper Bill Higgins. “We need a representative in Congress who will lead with truth and integrity and will always fight for what’s best for South Jersey.”

“I’ve worked closely with Amy during this campaign to bring our community together and I know she doesn’t support defunding the police. What she does support is making reforms to our criminal justice system and investing in programs, on top of traditional policing, that would help keep our communities safe,” said NAACP President Kaleen Shabaaz. “We need more candidates like Amy who are straightforward about their positions, and not ones like Jeff Van Drew who will change their views to benefit themselves. We need leaders who seek unity—not division.”

The ad will run heavily on Philadelphia broadcast television and on cable television across all the counties in NJ2.  The ad can be viewed here.

The script of the ad is as follows:

Jeff Van Drew will do or say anything to stay in power.

Now Jeff and his allies are spreading lies to hide their own failed record… while they scare and pit the people of South Jersey against each other.

It’s the worst kind of politics.

I’m Amy Kennedy and I want to set the record straight….

To be clear I DO NOT SUPPORT DEFUNDING THE POLICE.

And unlike Jeff Van Drew, I’ll NEVER trade my South Jersey values to benefit myself.

I’m Amy Kennedy and I approve this message.