Venerable Camden County Democrat John R. Kerfoot dies at 91
By Wally EdgeRobert Meyner was the Democratic nominee for Governor in 1953 when 38-year-old John R. Kerfoot became involved in Camden County politics. He became the Audubon Park Democratic Municipal Chairman in 1965 -- a position he continues to hold. He is a former Councilman, State Senate Sergeant-At-Arms, and had perfect attendance at County Committee meetings for over fifty years.
Kerfoot, an avid PoliticsNJ.com reader, passed away this weekend. He was 91.
When a vacancy occurred on the Camden County Freeholder Board in 2000, Democrats decided to pay tribute to the Kerfoot's long service by appointing him Freeholder. He completed the five weeks remaining in the term of Patricia Egan Jones, who was elected Surrogate.
Under Kerfoot's leadership, Audubon Park has been reliably Democratic. In his first general election as a member of the Camden Democratic machine, he helped delivered his town to Meyner, then former one-term State Senator from Warren with little chance to defeat Republican Paul Troast. Audubon Park went 595-94 for Meyner, who scored an upset victory to win the governorship.
And in 1985, Kerfoot was one of just three Democratic Municipal Chairman in the state to deliver his town for Peter Shapiro in his race against Governor Thomas Kean. Earlier this month, Kerfoot's organization delivered a huge plurality for Robert Menendez over Thomas Kean, Jr.
For the true political junkies, Kerfoot began his career as a lieutenant under the legendary Camden County Democratic boss, George Brunner, who served as Mayor of Camden and as the Democratic State Chairman.
His viewing will be held at Henry Funeral Home in Audubon on Tuesday from 6PM to 9PM and on Wednesday 9AM to 11AM. The funeral services are private.
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