TOMS RIVER, NJ – Sources within the Toms River Democrat party have confirmed that the troubled local Democrat party is seeking new candidates for mayor and council. After weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions, Democrat candidate for mayor John Furey has reportedly withdrawn from the race.
Insiders say Furey and Democrats were expecting to challenge Mo Hill for mayor in November, but Hill was defeated in a landslide by independent Republican Dan Rodrick.
Rodrick, who is known as a hard-nosed campaigner with a large support base and following, is expected to win against any Democrat opponent in November easily. Sources close to Furey said the daunting challenge ahead to defeat Rodrick, an extremely popular Republican in a majority Republican township, did not come without risk.
Rodrick is a fierce and thorough opposition researcher who’s not afraid to lay facts on the table regarding elections.
Democrats, in a letter to the municipal and county committee this week said they are still seeking a replacement for council candidate Kajal Lal who dropped out of the race several weeks ago.
The Toms River Democrats have until August 31st to find a candidate willing to get into the ring with Rodrick in November.