Camden County GOP Chairman: “No One Forced Duvall Out Of The Primary”

Two county chairs tried to encourage Duvall

HADDON HEIGHTS – Camden County Republican Chairman Rich Ambrosino addressed some concerns after learning Josh Duvall has dropped out of the CD1 GOP primary election.

“Yesterday I learned Josh Duvall has dropped out of the Republican primary election for Congress in CD1. Just like when he announced he was running, he didn’t bother calling any county chairs and simply issued a press release,” Ambrosino said. “I have a serious issue with him implying that he was forced out of the race.”

“No one tried to force Josh Duvall out of the primary.” Ambrosino explained, “Frankly, it was the other way around. Duvall and his supporters felt he shouldn’t be challenged because he announced early. I had to explain that isn’t how it works and everyone appears before our screening committee to determine who gets the organization’s endorsement.”

“Gloucester County GOP Chairwoman Jacci Vigilante and I went the extra mile to encourage Josh.” Ambrosino continued, “We met with Josh after Burlington County endorsed Claire Gustafson and encouraged him to stay in the race and appear before our screening committees. Obviously, he chose not to do that.”

“I’m not sure why Duvall felt the need to attack the party on his way out of the race,” Ambrosino said. “He clearly doesn’t understand primary elections are ‘purity tests’ and he doesn’t understand this party is solidly behind President Trump. Duvall also doesn’t understand our county party has been growing over the past couple of years and I’m sorry he doesn’t want to be part of that growth, but that’s his choice.”