Rep. Jeff Van Drew is finding himself looking for several new employees today. The New Jersey Congressman’s decision to leave the Democratic party because he disagrees with impeaching Donald Trump prompted a mass exodus of staffers. Several of his now-former employees released a resignation letter saying:
“Sadly, Congressman Van Drew’s decision to join the ranks of Republican Party led by Donald Trump does not align with the values we brought to this job when we joined his office.”
The New York Times reports that the number of staffers resigning is now up to seven:
A Republican running for his seat called him a weasel who was not to be trusted. A Democratic foe labeled him a traitor. The governor of New Jersey said he lacked the courage to protect the Constitution.
“This is the end of his career,” said David Richter, a Republican businessman who has been campaigning for Mr. Van Drew’s seat in Congress since August and referred to him on Sunday as a “weasel.”
“If I have to put $1 million of my own money into this race, to win, I’m prepared to do it.”
The staffers who departed won’t have to worry about being unemployed. Cheri Bustos, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee wrote:
It’s right before the holidays and these staffers just quit their jobs to stand up for their Democratic values. We’ll bring them and others who leave on with the @dccc until they land new jobs that align with their values.
The resigning staffers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Van Drew’s chief of staff did not return a phone call or email late Sunday.