U.S. Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ) appears to be on the path to potentially making history as the first Korean American U.S. Senator, following a promising development.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced on July 16 that he intends to appoint a temporary successor to current U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) following Menendez’s resignation. Representative Kim has expressed his readiness to accept the appointment immediately.
However, there are speculations that Governor Murphy’s wife, Tammy Murphy, who withdrew from the Democratic primary for the New Jersey Senate seat in March, might feel conflicted about appointing Kim. It is suggested that Murphy might still have uncomfortable feelings toward Kim.
Representative Kim stated, “I am ready to serve. If the government asks me to fill the position, I will proudly accept. Given my ongoing work in New Jersey and my preparation for the Senate race, I am the right person to ensure continuity and effectively advance our agenda.”
Meanwhile, Menendez, who was found guilty on 16 counts of bribery, has retracted his earlier decision to run as an independent candidate in the November general election.
BY MINHYE KANG, YOUNGNAM KIM [kang.minhye@koreadailyny.com]
