MOUNT LAUREL, NJ – A recent campaign mailer from Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, a candidate in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district, has sparked controversy.
The mailer shows Murphy at a 2018 Planned Parenthood rally with signs reading “Women for Murphy,” which were actually in support of Governor Phil Murphy, not the assemblywoman.
This has led to accusations from campaign opponents and supporters that the mailer is misleading.
Will the real Murphy please stand up?
Democrats are now crying foul because one of their own has used a somewhat shady and deceptive tactic to deceived voters. Maybe because they didn’t think of it first?
According to a report in the NJ Globe, Deb Turi-Smith, Freehold Township Democratic vice-chair and one of the rally attendees pictured, expressed disappointment, noting the signs were intended for the governor, not Assemblywoman Murphy. Additionally, the outlet reported Assemblyman Herb Conaway criticized Murphy’s campaign for implying endorsement by Planned Parenthood and the individuals in the photo.
Planned Parenthood has not endorsed any candidate in the primary, which includes Murphy among five contenders. Turi-Smith, who supports another candidate,
The mailer sent out by Murphy, Carol Murphy did not imply that she had the support of Planned Parenthood, only that she supported Planned Parenthood herself.
Her campaign defended the use of the photo, arguing it was meant to highlight Carol Murphy’s advocacy for reproductive rights, not to confuse or mislead voters.
Murphy’s campaign said the inclusion of Governor Phil Murphy in the photo was intentional and clear, aiming to show support for his campaign at the time.
The primary, set for next month, will determine the Democratic nominee for the congressional seat currently held by Rep. Andy Kim.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has not yet chimed in on the incident brewing over Carol Murphy’s political mailers.