NJDSC: Trenton Republicans Looking Increasingly Desperate, Out of Touch as NJ Rallies Around Governor Murphy’s Leadership

TRENTON, NJ — With Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership during the COVID-19 crisis drawing overwhelming support from state residents, Trenton Republicans are growing increasingly desperate as they launch irresponsible, partisan attacks against the Governor in the midst of the pandemic. From calling for the state to hastily reopen businesses and put residents at risk, to openly encouraging people to break state laws, to pushing unproven treatments for the virus that have been debunked by numerous scientific studies, Trenton Republicans are proving themselves to be hopelessly out of touch with the people of New Jersey.

“New Jersey residents support Governor Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis because he’s making decisions based on science and data, not on politics,” said NJDSC Vice Chair Peg Schaffer. “Trenton Republicans must be getting frustrated by the Governor’s sky high approval ratings, because they are lashing out more and more and in the process exposing themselves as totally out of touch and irresponsible. These Trenton Republicans are following Donald Trump’s example instead of looking out for New Jersey.”

A sampling of recent unhinged statements from Trenton Republicans is below:

“We need to open up our damned state already – that’s a simple economic plan. We don’t need Harvard professors and University of Pennsylvania professors and top business people telling us how to do it. No more nonsense!”

— Assemblyman Hal Wirths, R-24

https://www.nj.com/opinion/2020/05/magical-thinking-on-the-virus-will-extend-the-crisis-moran.html

“So…first time I’m going to suggest this….but it’s time. Everyone…defy the @GovMurphy! Go outside your house!! It’s ok, you can trust me! Look South/Southeast…revel in that moon! We’re likely going to take this rebellion a few steps further next couple weeks. Get ready!”

— Senator Declan O’Scanlon, R-13

https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/monmouth-state-senator-calls-rebellion-defy-gov-murphy

“President Trump has shown true leadership in his approach to allow an “off label” approach in the use of drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has a 70-year record of being safe and effective in the treatment of malaria.”

— Senator Joseph Pennacchio, R-26

https://twitter.com/joepennacchio/status/1241455812834361345