On the eve of Dem. primary, Booker calls on Camden seniors

In one of his last stops before tomorrow’s Democratic primary, Newark Mayor Cory Booker made a stop at the Northgate II apartments for the elderly in Camden, New Jersey. 

Booker got standing ovations as he discussed the importance of family, community and civic duty.  He also called for greater urban representation in the U.S. Senate. 

 “If we have more leadership in Washington that knows the struggles of urban spaces, we can get more things done in our cities in New Jersey,” he told residents. 

Booker added that if he makes it to the Senate, he will not forget cities like Camden. 

“Standing in the trenches, shoulder to shoulder with everybody who believes like I do whether you’re from Camden, New Jersey, or Summit, whether you’re from Bergen County or Cumberland County, every single space in New Jersey should resonate with the hope and the promise and the love and the greatness with the American Dream.”

He also endorsed Camden Mayor Dana Redd’s reelection.

New Jersey is holding a special primary this month and special election in October to fill the seat left vacant when Senator Frank Lautenberg died in June.

In the Democratic contest, Booker is up against Congressmen Rush Holt and Frank Pallone, as well as Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver. 

A Quinnipiac poll, released on August 7, found Booker leading the race so far with 54 percent of likely voters. Pallone garnered 17 percent, Holt had 15 percent and Oliver came in last with 5 percent of likely voters. 

Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan is the heavy favorite for the Republican nomination.  Dr. Alieta Eck is also running in the GOP primary.

Former New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Cheisa is serving as interim senator until the October 16th special election.