Former Asbury Park Councilman Drops Congressional Campaign

ASBURY PARK – Former Asbury Park Councilman Jim Keady has announced that he's dropping his bid to unseat Rep. Chris Smith in New Jersey's 4th Congressional District.

Keady has dropped his campaign for the Democratic nomination following a controversial email he sent in December to party members. The email accused them of spreading rumors about his personal life.

Keady apologized "to my supporters, my friends, and the people who I have hurt in recent days."

"I want to specifically and sincerely apologize to Ms. Kate Triggiano, Ms. Robyn Gedrich, Ms. Tracey Buckley, and Ms. Robin Nowicki," he said. "The tone and tenor of the email I sent to you on December 11, 2019 was wrong, and the sharing of our private communications was a terrible error in judgment."

He also apologized to Jennifer Fluharty, Liz DeBeer, Susan Boyce, Anna Marta Visky and Marianne Clemente "for copying you on the email. You did not deserve to be dragged into this, and I am sorry for the pain and inconvenience it has caused you."

Here is the rest of his statement:

"I made a horrible mistake by sending the aforementioned email in response to rumors about my personal life that I learned were being circulated. Responding the way that I did was foolish and unworthy of the community I have sought to serve. I allowed my anger, my pain and my ego to get the best of me. I am deeply sorry and ashamed of my actions.

"I am listening to the women I have hurt, and to the women I have lost as friends over this. And I am also listening to the women who still support me. To the women I hurt with that email, again, I am sorry. I have ideas as to how I can make amends for this mistake, and I welcome suggestions to this end. I also apologize to the supporters and friends who I have lost and disappointed. And to those who continue to support me, I appreciate your support, but I have to own up to this mistake. I am sorry for letting you down.

"For those who have made contributions to my campaign, my plan is to donate the money equally to the Women’s March, 180-Turning Lives Around, and the Sunrise Movement. If you were a donor and have an issue with this, please contact me and we can make arrangements for a refund.

"I wish all the candidates luck as they continue their campaigns. This nation needs their drive, dedication and talents now more than ever."