Karrow presents herself as rural and local

CLINTON – Her father’s struggles in the Depression shaped Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow’s (R-Raritan Twp.) conservatism, she tells the crowd of Warren and Hunterdon County county committee people. 

Unlike her opponent, Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Washington Twp.), Karrow, 49, grew up here in the 23rd District, daughter of a local public official, who knows about barn building and bringing in the hay. She goes hardcore local in an emotional speech.

“Those of you who were born here know about taking care of one another,” she says. “My passion as a public servant comes from that. You’re my passion.” 

Rural. 

She makes the word stick each time she utters it, arguing that she took the lead in the fight against Delaware River flooding, and on other local issues. 

“I have given you the voice of rural New Jersey that we have never had,” says Karrow. “I share your local, small town conservative red meat values, but what’s more important is I’ve made you partners in the process and taken farmers and small land owners down to Trenton. We need someone who can negotiate for the good stuff and fight off the bad stuff.” 

In what can be interpreted as a slap at Doherty, Karrow pledges to stand by the will of the county committee people and refrain from challenging Doherty in the event he wins the backing of the organization. 

Doherty has told people he will fight Karrow if she grabs the nomination today. 

“The last thing we need is a fight (between Republicans),” she says, and that gets some applause as she finsihes her speech and voting begins.