Stafford Mayor Breaks with Party, Backs Democrat: Reports

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ - Mayor John Spodofora is breaking with the Stafford Township Republican Club to put in a vote for Democratic candidate John Mangino, according to articles from the Asbury Park Press and TapInto.net. Due to the by-laws of the Stafford Township Republican Club, Spodofora will have to resign completely from the club to vote for Mangino.

While Spodofora is putting in a vote for Mangino on November 6, he still plans on voting along party lines for the rest of the candidates, according to an article on the Asbury Park Press. Spodofora explained his reasoning for supporting Mangino as he considered him the best for Stafford Township.

"Some people may be surprised that as a lifelong Republican, I am endorsing a Democrat. But party labels have never mattered to me on the local level. I want the best person for our town, and this year, Joe is the best candidate for Mayor," Spodofora said.

This turn of events counters his former support for the Republican candidate Gregory E. Myhre, who beat Spodofora on the primary ticket, according to an article on TapInto.net.

Myhre has said that Spodofora's endorsement of Mangino is more based on his loss in the primary.

Mangino's club, Focus on Stafford, has received the endorsement warmly with a post on their Facebook page.

"Proud to have the endorsement of Mayor John Spodofora! He has always done the right thing for Stafford and we look forward to working with him to serve our community," Focus on Stafford posted.

Spodofora and the rest of Stafford Township will be able to vote for the next mayor on November 6.

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