New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli might occasionally mention President Donald Trump, but he certainly doesn't have the president doing one of his signature campaign rallies to aid in the campaign.
Ciattarelli might be having a MAGA rally, but the most significant MAGA influencer won't be there, Politico reported Friday.
"The absence underscores Ciattarelli’s balancing act as he tries to fire up the GOP base without alienating moderates and independents in the typically Democratic stronghold," the report said.
Cape May Republican Chair Michael Donohue, who is helping to organize the event with the campaign, said that they never intended to invite Trump.
"But the lack of attendance by a figure as high profile as the president will likely limit its mainstream media exposure," said Politico.
Trump endorsed Ciattarelli in June, and while Ciattarelli wasn't previously shy about his support for the president, he's put some distance between them.
Earlier this week, during the candidate debate, Ciattarelli dodged questions about whether he considers himself part of the MAGA movement. Though he said he'd give Trump an "A" grade for his handling of the country.
"I think he’s right about everything he’s doing," cheered Ciattarelli.
Donohue explained that Ciattarelli's refusal to align himself with MAGA won't matter much because he's already lost the anti-MAGA vote.
“The people who hate MAGA will continue to hate MAGA. They’re not voting for Jack anyway,” said Donohue. “There’s a great deal of enthusiasm and energy, which it’s going to take to win this state.”
Opponent, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and fellow Democrats, argue that Ciattarelli may not call himself MAGA, but he's still embracing MAGA by appearing with vaccine skeptics and "stop the steal" organizer Scott Presler.