The Federal Government shutdown and now the Gateway Tunnel: Implications to the NJ Gubernatorial Race
Jack Ciattarelli was asked a few nights ago in Whippany if he planned on bringing in national figures to campaign for him.
Marco Rubio was suggested.
Nice, but really?
Clearly, it was Donald Trump who at least some in the crowd had in mind. It seems natural.
Trump endorsed “Jack” in the primary and he, of course, has a golf course in Bedminster.
Ciattarelli was noncommittal at best, saying outside help is nice, but it’s the candidate who really counts.
Ciattarelli’s reluctance to jump at the chance of the president rallying for him in Jersey became understandable this week,
That was when the president “terminated” the Gateway Tunnel project.
A new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to ease congestion on New Jersey Transit lines going to and from Manhattan has been talked about for years.
Some may recall when the project was called Access to the Region’s Core, or ARC. Construction started – at least ceremonially – under Gov. Jon Corzine, but Chris Christie nixed the project.
Speculation at the time was that Christie wanted to oppose a massive public works project to further his appeal in a Republican presidential primary.
Whatever the reason, the project was shelved. It saw a rebirth under the Biden Administration and yet another ceremonial beginning was held in the summer of 2024. It was now the Gateway Tunnel.
Trump, a native New Yorker, definitely seemed to get the need to improve commuter train service into the city.
Not anymore.
With the government shut down, Trump said this week that the project was terminated. And he took a swipe at Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York, the Senate Minority Leader.
Inside the Beltway politics to be sure, but how does this impact Ciattarelli?
First and foremost is the fact the Gateway Tunnel project offers at least a chance to improve commuter rides for Jersey residents.
Second is that Ciattarelli has so far in the campaign refused to criticize Trump.
But now Trump wants to terminate a needed New Jersey transit project?
So, does Ciattarelli take a swipe at Trump?
Or does he keep quiet and just go along?
Immediately after the president’s termination comment, Ciattarelli reiterated his desire to work with the president.
He may need to be a bit more loquacious than that.
Democrat Mikie Sherrill already has held a press conference to condemn the decision and by extension,
Ciattarelli’s support of Trump.
Let’s digress a bit.
Trump is known for saying a lot of things – some of which do not materialize. Politico has reported that the president’s termination comments, notwithstanding, funding of the $16 billion project will continue. This from an official at the federal Transportation Department who was granted anonymity.
That would be good news for New Jersey, for commuters and also for Jack Ciattarelli.
By William Swanson, Special to The Central Observer