Patrick D'Arcy

A joke cracked by Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Patrick D’Arcy about how women will vote for his party’s two assembly candidates because they are “good looking men” has been generating outraged responses from female Republicans all week, but today the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey added its non-partisan voice to the criticism. 

“Recent comments made by Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Pat D’Arcy underscore the need for more education about women in politics. We don’t agree with Mr. D’Arcy that women should vote for his party's 2nd Legislative District Assembly candidates because ‘they're good-looking men.’ In fact, we take exception to the comment, as it demeans women and trivializes the electoral process,” read a joint statement by the group’s president, Sharon L. Weiner and Vice President, Hollie Gilroy.

Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Patrick D’Arcy, who succeeded Ronald Ruff as county chairman in June, seems to have inherited the helm of the party during at a fortunate time.

Democrats, for the first time ever, outnumber Republicans in Atlantic County – and by a lot.

“This is certainly a traditionally Republican area. Everyone can have philosophical differences, but Obama has energized people who have never been involved before. You’re talking about a 20,000 swing in one year. Last year there were 10,000 less Republicans, now there are 10,000 more,” he said. “When you’re looking at it pro-rata, that’s an insane amount.”

D’Arcy sees that number as a sign that Democrats are going to make up for the freeholder seats they lost last year, after which they’ll be able to make gains on top of it to eventually take control of the board.