Tuesday, Nov 6, 2018
Event hosted by The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics
by Adam Grybowski
Dr. Jeff Van Drew, a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in the Second Congressional District of New Jersey, will appear at Rider University on Nov. 12 — a week after the mid-term election — during an event hosted by The Rebovich Insititute for New Jersey Politics.
Van Drew is a small business owner in Atlantic County, where he has practiced dentistry for more than 35 years. He is currently a member of the State Senate — the second Democratic state senator from Cape May County in the state’s history and the only one reelected.
During his talk, he will discuss how his often-conservative views (which have long been representative of and popular with his South Jersey constituents) came into conflict with progressive Democrats who challenged him earlier this year in his first contested primary. Van Drew will also discuss how he plans to bring to Washington his brand of bipartisanship, which, as a vastly outnumbered Democrat who represents Republican Cape May County, has long been a hallmark of his public service.
"This will be the first time Dr. Van Drew publicly discusses, analyzes and reflects on the results of Election Day," says Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics. "It promises to be a fun, intimate discussion about what he has achieved, and what comes next for the nation, New Jersey and for him."
In announcing his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, Van Drew said, “We need to resolve our petty differences and work together. Moderation for the good of our nation and our children is a virtue. It seems obvious to most of us, but unfortunately, extreme elements on both ends of the political spectrum are preventing that in Washington. I have never known any other way to get anything done. We can do better, and we must do better.”
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public services and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. Founded in 2001 by the late Professor David Rebovich (1949–2007), the Institute is a dynamic and creative home where students can network, study and gain practical experience in New Jersey politics.
Previous Rebovich events that took place this fall at Rider include appearances by Regina Egea, Gov. Christie's former chief of staff, and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.
“An Evening with Hon. Jeff Van Drew,” which takes place in the NJM Community Room in Rider’s Bart Luedeke Center, is free and open to the public. It will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., with Van Drew’s remarks at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A. Advanced registration is requested by visiting rider.edu/VanDrew. Contact Susan Cuccia with questions at 609-896-5350 or [email protected].