Philadelphia Inquirer endorses Andy Kim for U.S. Senate – New Jersey Globe

Praising his character, the Philadelphia Inquirer has endorsed Democrat Andy Kim for U.S. Senate.

“Kim represents a clean break with the Garden State’s oftentimes transactional form of politics, offering a campaign that’s focused on meeting the needs of his constituents, rather than fulfilling political agendas,” the editorial board stated, contrasting the three-term congressman from politicians like Bob Menendez and Chris Christie.   “Voters aren’t likely to see a picture of Kim and his family enjoying the beach after voting to ban everyone else from the Shore.

The newspaper called him “knowledgeable, insightful and practical.”

“He also has realistic plans to help families in New Jersey and elsewhere deal with the rising cost of living,” the endorsement stated.  “From boosting the child tax credit to helping small businesses access needed capital, Kim’s ideas represent key lifelines that can help people achieve the American dream.

Kim faces Republican Curtis Bashaw, a hotel owner and developer from Cape May.

Support for Kim was full-throated; six years ago, the Inquirer “reluctantly” endorsed Menendez for re-election in what they called a dismal choice between a “deeply damaged” incumbent who had survived a 2017 bribery trial and a self-funding Republican who had made his money by selling unaffordable prescription drugs for cancer patients.

“If New Jersey gives him a second chance and elects him to a third term, he has an unwavering obligation to act with integrity at all times. He told the Inquirer Editorial Board that he would be more careful when advocating for issues his friends raise — and that he learned a lesson about the importance of appearances of conflict,” the editorial board stated.  “How he missed it the first time is hard to imagine.”

That year, the Inquirer endorsed Kim against two-term Republican incumbent Tom MacArthur.

Kim has already won the endorsement of the Star-Ledger.