Doug Steinhardt in January 6 Capitol Riot

On Principles & Values: Citing personal obligations, quits race after insurrection

Steinhardt, the enthusiastically pro-Trump candidate for governor, has abruptly quit the race. The exit comes amid a sustained backlash after last week's deadly violence at the Capitol. Steinhardt did not say whether the fallout from the insurrection was a factor in his decision, citing only personal obligations. Steinhardt's campaign released an ad earlier the same day the pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, criticizing Ciattarelli for being insufficiently supportive of the president. Source: Bergen Record on Jan. 6 2021 Insurrection Jan 11, 2021

On Principles & Values: I support President Trump; I always have

Steinhardt was not just generically pro-Trump. He was all in. His top strategist was Bill Stepien, a New Jersey native who served as Trump's campaign manager. In a video in December announcing his candidacy, Steinhardt said, "Let me be really clear about this: I support President Trump. I always have. Some cut and run from our president during tough times, hoping he wouldn't notice."

Even after the [January 6th] riot, Steinhardt wouldn't pin any of the blame on the president: "The actions of violent criminals do not speak for Republicans and supporters of President Trump," he told POLITICO. "The conservative grassroots movement that I'm proud to represent here in New Jersey supports democracy and the rule of law."

Still, Steinhardt talked with some New Jersey Republican leaders in the aftermath of the insurrection to gauge its effect on his candidacy, according to one GOP source who asked not to be identified.

Source: Politico.com on Jan. 6th insurrection Jan 13, 2021

The above quotations are from January 6, 2021 riot at United States Capitol and follow-up investigations. Click here for other excerpts from January 6, 2021 riot at United States Capitol and follow-up investigations. Click here for other excerpts by Doug Steinhardt. Click here for a profile of Doug Steinhardt.
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Page last updated: Nov 02, 2024