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Politics & Government

Town GOP Chair: Biden Visit Good for Us, Too

Vitolo suspects political posturing with November election looming.

Mixed reactions to Vice President Joe Biden’s impending Monday visit to Morristown continued on Saturday night as Frank Vitolo, chairman of the Morristown Republican Committee, chimed in on what such a move could mean for both parties in New Jersey.

Vitolo, when reached, told Patch that this could be a move by “nervous” Democrats to bolster the chances of Sen. Bob Menendez, whom Biden is coming to town to support, in November’s election.

“Politically, Senator Menendez could use all the help he can get. He has not, in my opinion, distinguished himself in the Senate, and the only time you hear from him lately is to do damage control for something he fouled up,” Vitolo said. “I think bringing in a big name like Biden is a good sign for New Jersey Republicans.”

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Vitolo expects that fellow Republican and New Jersey Senator Joe Kyrillos, currently serving in District 13, is going to be a tough challenge for Menendez during the election.

“I was at the kick-off event for Senator Kyrillos last week, and the Democrats should be nervous,” Vitolo said. “Kyrillos is smart, he's a fighter and, with Governor Christie leading the charge, Kyrillos is going to give Menedez a run for his money.”

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As for Biden’s visit itself, Vitolo is glad to have the Vice President in town, regardless of party affiliation. He noted, though, that Biden should take some time to see the things that make Morristown great.

“It's good for Morristown whenever a Vice President comes to visit, even if it's only to raise money at a private residence,” Vitolo said. “It's a shame the Vice President will not be visiting the town proper and all of its gems, (such as) Washington Headquarters, Fort Nonsense, Historic Speedwell, the Green, the churches, the mansions and 40 Park. It would be great to have some national focus on all of great things going on here.”

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