In a parking lot in the Monmouth County town of Hazlet on Sunday afternoon, a little more than 100 people met GOP gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli as he pushed Republicans to hit the polls on the final day of early voting.
Ciattarelli faces Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy. Giving a tidied version of his stump speech, Ciattarelli said it was time for a “Jersey guy” to be elected and said Sherrill is not a moderate, but rather an aggressive liberal.
“In two days and about 10 hours, we’re declaring victory,” Ciattarelli said.
Ciattarelli, who has sought to solidify his status as the candidate who can bring change to Trenton, said that, between affordability, education, and public safety policy, this election will chart New Jersey’s future.
“You’re never going to hear me say this is the most important election of our lifetime,” Ciattarelli said. “I know you’ve heard it before. I think every election is equally important for different reasons. I will say this: I do believe the future of our state hangs in the balance. We cannot afford another four years, okay?”
Ciattarelli and Sherrill are both in the midst of statewide campaign bus tours. On Sunday, the Ciattarelli campaign also held campaign bus rallies in Middletown and Toms River.
Hazlet Mayor Michael Sachs was among the local officials to welcome Ciattarelli.
“This is historic,” Sachs said. “I don’t believe we’ve ever had a rally for anyone here before.”
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters and co-Chair KC Crosbie joined Ciattarelli on the bus on Sunday. Early, in-person voting ended Sunday at 6 p.m.
After the Republican nominee finished taking pictures with the attendees, a reporter asked how he felt about early voting data.
“We know we perform well on Election Day, so we’re in great shape,” Ciattarelli said as he clambered onto the bus.
