Jack Ciattarelli state assemblyman, who is running for New Jersey governor, announced Thursday that he is undergoing treatment for throat cancer. And that he needs to scale back his schedule for the next several weeks. But he said do not count him out of the Republican primary. The 55 year old expects to resume campaigning trail in late February.
Ciattarelli will be running against Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who is filling paper works for a campaign, Thursday. A businessman from Ocean County Joseph Rullo who has never held elected office, was the first Republican to declare a gubernatorial campaign. A retired military and a law enforcement official, Nutley Township Commissioner Steven Rogers, officially declared his candidacy in December.
Jack Ciattarelli said he has undergone successful surgery. He was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer last October. It affected his throat and tonsils. Ciattarelli said that as a husband, father of four, successful small business owner and state Assemblyman, he is accustomed to managing his time very well. His intention is to power through these treatments without any impact on his campaign. But as so many New Jerseyans know, cancer is a tough adversary.
After consulting with my radiation oncologist Sung Kim, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, there is a good news, his prognosis is excellent. And despite being forced to miss out events he is expected to be back fully recovered in the latter half of February. He also added that it was important to him to be transparent of his true condition to the people and to the media.
According to the New Jersey Daily, Jack Ciattarelli declared his candidacy in September. And that he distances himself from Gov. Chris Christie, whose poll ratings have sunk to their lowest levels. He is vocal about his opposition to the 23 cent gas tax increase. He is also calling for a dramatic change in how public schools are being funded.
According to the News Works, On the Democratic side the former US ambassador to Germany and former Goldman Sachs executive, Phil Murphy, is considered to be the front runner. The primary elections are set on June 6. Jack Ciattarelli needs to limit his appearances in campaigns due to his current condition but soon he is expected to recover and continue campaign trail.
