In a move to bolster her campaign for Congress, Democrat Sue Altman has secured endorsements from three seasoned law enforcement officials, including two county sheriffs, Darrin Russo of Somerset County and Peter Corvelli of Union County, along with her uncle, retired detective Craig Copius, a veteran of the Hempstead Police Department, in Nassau County, New York.
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Their support comes as Altman seeks to establish her credentials as a candidate law enforcement officers may rely upon amid rising tensions in the political landscape.
In a new campaign ad titled “Seen it All,” Altman emphasizes her deep-rooted connection to law enforcement, showcasing a childhood photo with a police officer and highlighting her family’s history in the profession.
“Sue grew up in a family of cops. It goes back generations,” says Corvelli, who brought more than 27 years of decorated law enforcement experience to his position as the Union County Sheriff. “She’s got a plan, backed by law enforcement, to get the resources we need to keep our communities safe.”
The ad is a strategic counter to the campaign of incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., who recently launched his own pro-law enforcement message after receiving endorsements from various police organizations.
Altman’s ad directly contrasts her vision for public safety with Kean’s record, which includes support for measures that undermined public safety during his tenure in the New Jersey legislature, when the Republican voted for budget cuts that adversely affected police departments, leading to layoffs and reduced resources for law enforcement agencies.
“I’ve been in law enforcement for 35 years, and I’ve never seen this type of crap coming out of Tom Kean, Jr.,” Russo states bluntly in the ad. “Here’s the truth. Sue Altman gets it.”
Rob West, Altman’s campaign manager, emphasized her commitment to law enforcement, saying, “The public servants we ask to keep our streets, families, and communities safe deserve full support from our elected leaders. Sue will be an unapologetic supporter of our law enforcement agencies and the dedicated men and women who make them.”
Kean also backed former Governor Chris Christie’s pension reform bill, which increased employee pension contribution rates from 5.5 percent to 7.5 percent of salary and left retired police officers and other public employees without cost-of-living adjustments since 2011.
As a freshman representative in Congress, Kean aligned himself with far-right extremists who have proposed significant cuts to federal funding for law enforcement and community safety programs. His support for these extreme budget proposals threatens funding for local police departments.
Kean has been accused of dodging accountability for his decisions, often avoiding direct engagement with constituents regarding his record on public safety.
Despite Altman’s recent endorsements, her past statements regarding police funding have drawn scrutiny. During the peak of social unrest in 2020, she used the hashtag #DefundThePolice on social media, which she later regretted.
“I think it was unnecessary; it turned out to be very harmful,” Altman said, distancing herself from the slogan while advocating for a comprehensive vision for public safety.
Kean’s record reflects a disconnect between his rhetoric about supporting law enforcement since the policies he enacted negatively impacted police resources and community safety.
Republicans introduced measures to cut funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, which aims to assist local law enforcement agencies in improving community policing strategies.
The Republican presidential nominee, disgraced former President Donald Trump, advocated for police brutality at a campaign rally at the Bayfront Convention Center on Sept. 29, 2024, in Erie, Pennsylvania. It’s hardly news when Trump says something so objectionable and outrageous that it should disqualify him from occupying the nation’s highest office but Kean assiduously cowers from any connection to or rebuke of the only US chief executive to become a criminal convicted by a jury of his peers.
In the competitive race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, Altman has invested heavily in advertising, with reports indicating approximately $400,000 spent on broadcast and $150,000 on cable in her fourth week on the air. Her efforts aim to highlight a clear choice for voters: new leadership that respects and supports law enforcement.
Altman’s platform focuses on ensuring police departments receive adequate funding for training and resources, combating hate crimes, and advocating for the removal of dangerous firearms from the streets. Her campaign’s commitment to public safety reflects a shift towards prioritizing community needs and investment in law enforcement.
As the campaign heats up, Altman and her supporters aim to connect with voters who prioritize safety and responsible governance. “She’s got a plan to get us the resources we need,” says Sheriff Russo, solidifying her stance as a candidate dedicated to the welfare of her community.
With Election Day approaching, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether Altman’s vision for public safety and law enforcement support resonates with their own values.