SAYREVILLE, N.J. — John Wisniewski’s gubernatorial campaign manager Robert Becker chided former Goldman Sachs executive Phil Murphy’s latest television ad claiming he will “stand up to President Trump” by issuing a challenge to the media to directly question Murphy’s financial ties Donald Trump:

“For the entire campaign Phil Murphy has hid behind his Wall Street fortune and the party bosses who have benefited from his ‘Corzine-like’ purchasing of establishment support.

“It is time the media demand Phil Murphy explain how he will ‘stand up to President Trump’ given his ongoing business relationship with the real estate tycoon.

According to Phil Murphy’s federal financial disclosures, he has invested millions of his Goldman Sachs earnings into IREO Investment Holding — an offshore corporation, registered in the nation of Mauritius. Last year IREO announced a partnership with The Trump Organization to build what they called an ‘iconic office tower in the heart of one of India’s fastest growing cities, Gurgaon.’

“You can’t invest millions into a foreign offshore corporation that does business with Donald Trump and then expect middle class New Jerseyans to actually believe your interests aren’t your own profits.

“Additionally, how exactly does Phil Murphy stand up to Donald Trump when the entire government is being run by his Goldman Sachs friends?

“Phil Murphy made hundreds of millions at Goldman Sachs working alongside Trump’s chief strategist Steve Bannon, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, top economic advisor Gary Cohn, and dozens more.

“It is time for Murphy to answer direct questions about his financial dealings with Trump and his personal connections to dozens of President Trump’s key Goldman Sachs advisors.”