Freshman Democratic Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey announced his intentions of switching political parties on Friday after meeting with President Donald Trump. Van Drew has been an outspoken opponent of the Democrats' partisan impeachment push.
Now that he finalized his decision, five of his aides in Washington, D.C. office resigned on Sunday, POLITICO reported. Four of the five were top aides.
The group sent a letter to Van Drew's Chief of Staff, Allison Murphy, saying the Congressman's decision “does not align with the values we brought to this job.”
“Sadly, Congressman Van Drew’s decision to join the ranks of the Republican party led by Donald Trump does not align with the values we brought to this job when we joined his office,” the letter said.
"Trump Republicans have sided with special interest over the needs of working people. Worse, they continue to aid and abet Trump as he shreds the Constitution and tears the country apart," the letter read, according to The Hill. "They have refused to grapple with how the President of the United States has jeopardized our national security for his own political advantage."
The staffers included Legislative Director Javier Gamboa, Deputy Chief Edward Kaczmarski, Deputy Chief Justin O’Leary, Communications Director Mackenzie Lucas and Legislative Staff Assistant Caroline Wood.
Murphy began working for Van Drew when he was in the State Senate and is expected to stay.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairwoman Cheri Bustos (IL) said they would hire any staffers from Van Drew's office who decide to leave until they find jobs that align with their values.
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. (1/2)https://t.co/MqWVsnAGcN
— Cheri Bustos (@CheriBustos) December 16, 2019
According to the New Jersey Globe, Van Drew's campaign staff have already quit.